Helpline volunteers at FCN regularly take calls relating to the challenges of care provision for an older family member. These calls are often received at the point when care is needed and the reality of costs and legal issues become evident.
With more people living longer, it is very important to give thought to the likelihood of care provision well in advance of when it may be required, considering financial planning and also implications relating to property ownership, partnership agreements and other legal matters.
The social care system is notoriously complicated, and unlike NHS healthcare, social care is the responsibility of your local authority, and therefore varies enormously.
The Farmers Weekly recently wrote about the long term financial impact of later life care
Age UK
Age UK offers straightforward advice on later life care
- How to get a care needs assessment
- What to expect from a care needs assessment
- What to expect from a financial means test (which will follow the care needs assessment)
- Types of care available and how they can be paid for
- Frequently asked questions
Which?
The Which? website answers these common questions, addresses misconceptions and gives useful tips.
How does the means test for care work?
What is deliberate deprivation of assets?
Can I get help from the NHS to pay for care?
Should I consider a deferred payment scheme?
What’s the best way to cover the costs of care?
You can download guides from Which? about paying for care at home, care home costs, and gifting property and assets.