As we become older we are often less able to look after ourselves. It is predicted that as many as 75% of us will need some form of long term care in the future.

If we have assets in excess of defined care fees thresholds, we will be expected to either meet the full costs of our care or contribute towards it.

Many parts of the Care Act, implemented following the Dilnot report, have now been shelved, meaning there is no cap on care costs. If you require care and have assets of more than £23,250 you will be required to pay the full costs of that care.

If you have assets between £14,250 and £23,250 you will be expected to contribute £1 per week for every £250 of capital between these two limits as well as your income, less a small weekly allowance of £24.40 for you to spend.

The average weekly care fees cost in this area is £650.

If your care is provided in a residential setting rather than in your home, you will be subject to the above rules for fees assessment. Your home will be disregarded from assessment if your spouse, partner, or another eligible person lives there. However, if you live alone then the full value of your home will be taken into consideration and very likely will need to be sold to pay your care fees.

If you require some residential care and some nursing care the NHS must pay for the nursing care element. There is an assessment to qualify for this and a flat rate is given if you are successful. For the year 2016/17 the flat rate is £156.25 per week.

The NHS is only responsible for fully funding your care if your primary need for being in care is health based. This is called NHS continuing care and is a controversial area as the definition of what qualifies for NHS continuing care varies from area to area and is the subject of numerous court cases.

For more help an advice get in touch.