Sheltered accomodation, who pays????

genie_2

I have an elderly relative, who is,regretfully to say, increasingly looking like they will soon have to enter some form of sheltered accomodation/retirement home. They own their home jointly with another member of the family, my question is at what level would they be expected to contribute towards the cost of care within the accomodation? Currently they are in receipt of basic state pension and also has a home help who comes in to light the fire in the mornings. They receive no other benefits or care.

Would the government or social services insist on their share of equity in the property be sold to pay towards the cost of care? My relative has no savings.

I have asked this on the Northern Ireland board as I'm from Northern Ireland and I'm not sure if the housing and benfits system differs here to that of the mainland.

Dora_the_Explorer_5

The way this works in England is that if someone moves into supported living or residential care and their spouse remains in the property they jointly own the local authority will fund any shortfall in care costs and put a charge on the house. When the spouse moves out either into supported living or care, or dies, the property has to be sold and the local authority will claim the costs of the first person's care it met from the date of the second person leaving the property.
I don't think the above will apply to anyone who jointly owns a property with a person other than their spouse.
Have a look on the Age Concern northern Ireland website, there are down loadable leaflets on going into care.

crafty

Please be aware that Sheltered Housing is not the same as residential care. Sheltered Housing is a scheme of properties where the client lives an independent life with the support of a scheme manager (used to be called warden service) and an emergency alarm system.
Residential care is a care home where all day to day needs are met, and a Nursing home is where all needs both day to day and personal care are met.
All of these options can be investigated through your Local Council or Social Services department.
Your relative will have a care/ case worker already assigned to a geographical area.

genie_2

Thanks Crafty, I am already aware of the differences between the different types of care available. My relative is still quite independant at the present time, but it may change. That's why I was asking about residential care *and* sheltered accomodation. She is not yet, thankfully, at the stage where nursing homes are an option.

genie

travelling_light

Hi. If your relative has a home help provided by social services she will have an allocated Social worker/assistant or assessor of some sort - depends where they live what title they go by...however they are a good starting point for discussing services; costs and long-term planning.
Sheltered accom only costs the rental cost of the scheme and any additional services provided by social services are as far as I know free - although very limited in what is provided. eg :- no cleaning etc in some areas.
Resid. care means the person requires or is assessed as needing the help of one person for all personal care. This must be assessed by social services for them to pay a contribution to costs. The person is means tested and will basically pay all benefits with £19 approx. left as their income for personal allowance...this will differ if they have savings over £8000...i think and their house will be taken into account..but if in joint names and the other person lives in it they will not at present be expected to move / sell it. This info. was correct a while ago but you should contact the Law Centre in Donegal Street Belfast or the Belfast Carers Centre or CAB for accurate up to date info and advice.
Also there are many levels of service between home help once a week and residential care that enable a person to remain at home with the care provided at home and there can not be a charge under current law for personal care services.
I hope this helps and gets you in the right direction ...please check it all out for yourself to be sure.