Care assessment

[TheSilveryPussycat]

My DGF is 98, and is in a care home after twice going into hospital from home, just very frail. His own choice to move into the home. SS are going to assess whether they can pay for his care. I understand they will only pay if he needs 24/7 care? What will the assessment involve?

My mum was admitted to a home from a rehab unit. I had set out quite clearly to the social worker how I felt about caring for her (had cared for her full time for 15 years) and the demands she was making on me, her physical and mental deterioration and the unsuitable living quarters (granny annex in my garden). The social worker and discharge nurse talked with her and pretty much told her that she needed to be in a home. I don't know whether there were forms or tick boxes that they needed to complete but it was very straightforward. Then there was the financial assessment. I completely messed that up but the lady I spoke to in the council could not have been more helpful and sorted it within a week.

The social worker will talk to the care home staff, you and your DGF about what type of support him needs and wants, and how much. As a frail 98 yr old with 2 recent hospital admissions it's highly likely he is in the right place. If he is very frail and needs nursing care, the social worker will assess for this and it may mean an additional payment is awarded. The social worker will then talk through the monetary issues - so if your DGF has cash, savings / stocks / shares over about £23k he will have to pay for his own care. He will not have to sell his home. If he has no savings etc, the local authority will fund at least part of the care home fees. If he does have to pay for himself, make sure you are claiming all his pensions, attendance allowance etc. He will also qualification for the winter heating allowance.

So when you speak to the social worker, have with you as much of his financial information as you can find. Look out his pension & benefits stuff, bank accounts etc. This will feel intrusive but has to be done. If he hasn't already, get a Lasting Power of Attorney in place for both financial and health. Check of the Aged UK website - lots of very helpful information on their and they run an advice service for financial stuff as well. We found them very helpful - you ring and leave a rough idea of the situation and someone with the appropriate expertise phones back.

good luck - I know it seems overwhelming and there's a lot of do but there are plenty of sources of help - the care home will have experience and so can point you in the right direction too

Many thanks.

You're very welcome

My understanding is that when savings etc are down to the £23,000 quoted, his house would have to be sold or a lien put on it to pay fees. This only applies if there is no partner/spouse or relative over 60 but am prepared to be corrected.