Very worried - property/carer

[Searchingforananswer2023]

I jointly own a house with my mother. It was bought as a right to buy. I paid for everything and currently pay the mortgage in it's entirety.

She wants to go into a care home. An assessment will take place. Will the house be counted as part of her means test? I have lived in the house for 15 years and have no intention of ever leaving. I have been her sole carer for 5 years (I also work full time). She will absolutely qualify for a care home place due to her medical condition and needs.

Has anyone had any experience of this?

Are you joint tenants or tenants in common?

What part of the UK do you live in?

We are joint tenants so if either of us were to pass away, ownership automatically transfers.

I am in the West Midlands.

How old are you OP?

We are joint tenants so if either of us were to pass away, ownership automatically transfers.
I am in the West Midlands.

I am 40

OK. I asked because if you were 60 or over the property would be fully disregarded.

I have seen that. I have put thousands into the house, which in hindsight I should not have done if it is going to be taken from me. I pay for everything for my mother on the basis that I will get the house. I have been so loyal and so foolish. I work from 6am-11pm at night. No life, no friends, nothing. Just slaving away.

The following Age UK factsheets are helpful
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/siteassets/documents/factsheets/fs10_paying_for_permanent_residential_care_fcs.pdf

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/siteassets/documents/factsheets/fs38_property_and_paying_for_residential_care_fcs.pdf

You can contact AgeUK for more advice.

Get some proper advice OP as it is complicated when property is jointly owned. Councils do have some discretion. I am sorry you are in this position, it seems very unfair.