What happens if you have no money for care in old age

[traytablestowed]

I'm asking hypothetically, because my relatives (currently in their late 60s) are likely to be in this boat at some point. They have no money and no assets (old car worth peanuts and they rent privately). I worry about what will happen if they need care later in life. How does this work in practice? Who pays?
Would really appreciate any insights. This honestly keeps me awake at night sometimes.

I've just checked - its £23,000 for care at home and £50,000 if in residential care Scotland I think its more generous still

Not in England. Its £23,250 whether it's homecare or residential care. The difference is, if its residential care, the value of your house is taken into account (assuming you live alone) whereas it isn't for homepage.