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Elderly parents
Original poster

Care home contract says I’m liable to pay fees

37 replies

Crunchybiscuit1 · 07/04/2026 17:17

Hello everyone

I’ve been sent a care home contract for my mum. The Terms and Conditions say that the contract would be between the Client (ie me) and the care home, not between the Resident (my mum) and the care home. Is this normal?

The Ts and Cs also say that the Client (me) is liable for the fees and agrees to pay the fees. Does this simply mean that I’m responsible for ensuring that the fees are paid eg from my mum’s bank account or by arranging Local Authority funding when Mum’s money depletes?

Or does it mean that I would be personally liable for paying the fees out of my own money if necessary and that I would be personally liable for my mum’s debts?

OP posts:
notfallingforit · 07/04/2026 19:36

Like another poster, my partner and his brother were asked to sign this sort of contract for their mother. His brother has a legal background and they refused as it was essentially holding them liable for fees if their mother’s money ran out.

Original poster
Crunchybiscuit1 · 07/04/2026 19:20

Thanks for all your replies. I’ve emailed the care home to ask for clarification but from what you’ve all said it sounds like this isn’t right. I have POA for my mum, but would expect to sign a contract between her and the care home on her behalf as POA, and as I understand my role as POA is to ensure that her fees are paid but I’m not required to personally be liable for paying the fees. This is such a minefield at an already very stressful time!

OP posts:
Mcdhotchoc · 07/04/2026 18:13

My mums is very clear that she is the client. I have POA and had to prove that she had 2 years fees in ready money. She doesn't have capacity so I am responsible for making sure that all the bills are paid. Presumably if she outlives the money I will be responsible for moving her into somewhere the council pay for. Hoping she dies before that.

NettleTea · 07/04/2026 17:57

I seem to remember something on here in the past that said absolutely do not sign to say you are responsible for fees. Even as POA you are paying on behalf of the client, who is the parent, and that some care homes will try their luck with this.
I know when my partners father went into the care home, he refused to sign that contract making him liable.

AnnaQuayRules · 07/04/2026 17:51

Do you have POA? If not then you can't be responsible for ensuring the fees are paid.

Dancingsquirrels · 07/04/2026 17:51

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 07/04/2026 17:26

Do you have POA for health and money to make decisions for your mum, It should be with who is paying the bills. Ring Age Concern who might be able to give advice.

Even then, I think the contract would be wirh the mother, and OP would sign as attorney for the mother

OP shouldn't have personal liability for this

CharlotteSometimes1 · 07/04/2026 17:50

When DM moved into a care home the contract was between her and the home, they asked for bank statements to verify she had the money to pay.

YerMotherWasAHamster · 07/04/2026 17:47

You should ask for written clarification.

catofglory · 07/04/2026 17:45

I would take it to mean your second suggestion, that you are responsible for seeing the fees are paid from your mother's funds/local authority. But I would want that to be clarified, or I wouldn't sign it.

I don't remember my mother's care home contract containing that wording.

CloudPop · 07/04/2026 17:28

You’re right to be cautious here. When I was looking into care homes, it was absolutely the case that I was the “customer”, so when the parent runs out of cash it’s your responsibility to get the invoice paid (or move them out)

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 07/04/2026 17:26

Do you have POA for health and money to make decisions for your mum, It should be with who is paying the bills. Ring Age Concern who might be able to give advice.

Hadalifeonce · 07/04/2026 17:21

Why are you the client and not your mum?