Nursing care and family issues

lesmis

I wonder if anyone can offer some advice please.
My parents live in Northern Ireland and Mum at 90 is now in nursing care having had two strokes and suffered severe memory loss.

Dad is 88 and is paying towards the cost of care an amount that seems frighteningly high to him. He is anxious he will be forced to sell their two bed bungalow.

One situation I'm not clear about is that my brother has lived with them all his life and although in work is not highly paid. He has in recent years taken on a more supporting/caring role especially as he is the only family they have over there. But at the end of the day what are his rights in these circumstances. Does it make a difference whether a will is in place or not. (I think there may not be a will).

The other worry I have is that if all the savings are spent and then Dad needed care himself what would happen then?

Thanks

Amanda65

http://www.relres.org/

Brilliant organisation that also have a helpline who may be able to give advice on your Dad's situation re fees and the house.

lesmis

Thanks for the helpful link. I'll go and take a look.

Mojisola

lesmis wrote: »

My parents live in Northern Ireland and Mum at 90 is now in nursing care having had two strokes and suffered severe memory loss.

Dad is 88 and is paying towards the cost of care an amount that seems frighteningly high to him. He is anxious he will be forced to sell their two bed bungalow.

One situation I'm not clear about is that my brother has lived with them all his life and although in work is not highly paid. He has in recent years taken on a more supporting/caring role especially as he is the only family they have over there. But at the end of the day what are his rights in these circumstances. Does it make a difference whether a will is in place or not. (I think there may not be a will).

One - the house your father lives in will not be taken into account in any financial assessment - he will not have to sell it.

Two - is he paying because a financial assessment was done and your mother has over the limit - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/your-home-your-assets-and-your-care-home-fees

Three - are any of her needs health needs? - if they are, some of her fees should be paid by the NHS - I assume this is the same in NI as the mainland. You usually have to fight to get this through but, if she entitled, she should be getting it. AgeUK website is worth looking through - https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ and https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/

Four - your brother's caring role may give him some protection depending on his age.