Selling home for care

[NK346f2849X127d8bca260]

My father who is 86 was full time carer for my mum who has dementia and other health issues.
He became ill two weeks ago, with anxiety, kidney infection and he now has pneumonia. The plan was for him to return home with carers before the pneumonia ,mum is in a home at moment as a respite case.
I am beginning to wonder if he will be fit enough to manage at home as he also needs a hip replacement.

They own their own house, if it is suggested that it is sold so both of them can be looked after in nursing home how long do you get to do that?

I'm really not sure on that one, but I imagine that they won't expect it done in weeks.

Sending you a virtual hand hold as well, that sounds a lot to cope with

Ask adult services to assess dad when he's as recovered as he's still unwell.

If both end up needing residential care and can't be supported at home, then you will want to read their local authority's charging policy for paying for care in a care home.

If they each have under threshold savings/stocks/shares (ie halve their joint savings) £22,250 each , then although they own a property they may be entitled to 12 week property disregard then deferred payment options. You can Google their local authority (type in the county or city council they are & search the adult devices website) . If they are assessed as needing residential care.

It's early days though.

Age U.K. do help sheets. They are not legal advice

www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/paying-for-care/paying-for-a-care-home/do-i-have-to-sell-my-home-to-pay-for-care/

www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/paying-for-care/paying-for-a-care-home/

If the local authority assess them as needing residential care ( rather than being able to be supported at home) they can set up a deferred payment scheme, so they pay but a charge is placed on the property and claimed back once the house is sold, which could be after they have died. There's no pressure to sell the house while they are still alive. This is in England, not sure about Scotland.

Both your father and mother should have an NHS CHC assessment (to see if there are eligible for free care) BEFORE there is any discussion about paying for care. Ask the local authority to arrange this,

www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-continuing-healthcare/

The bar is high but your mother might be eligible.

Also get power of attorney in place for health and finances.