Complicated 'Inheritance' between two siblings

theoretica

Also, maybe talk to a local estate agent to get an idea of the value of the house with garage and the house with annex.

Pollycat

"Deprivation of Capital" is very much a "thing".

If I were your parents I wouldn't entertain this idea at all, for the same reasons as Mojisola says:
"I cared for my parents until their death but there's no way I would have agreed to the kind of arrangement being proposed - all the disruption, all the care and responsibility, the effect on family life and no cash!".

You say that your Nan "can fully take care of herself and she will not be a burden in any way from that aspect" but things change.
Your Mum and your Aunt - and your Gran - must come to an agreement that benefits all as equally as possible.

bouicca21

Converting the garage into a self contained annexe for my mum was precisely my plan.  I am so glad we never actually did it.  It may be ok for now but in the possibly nearish future if their health begins to deteriorate it is likely to become a nightmare.  

If she is still capable of independent living then a retirement flat is perfect.  If at any stage she needs more care then a care home with trained staff is the way to go.

Ben1989

Thank you everyone for your input. It's serious food for thought. The flat with a warden sounds like a very good compromise. 

I just know she wants to be around family, however. She has a grandchild and her family on the same street as her so she's used to being close knit, which was the attraction of the annex.

TBagpuss

I would suggest that she make a will leaving her estate equally between her children.

That avoids any issues of deprivation of assets, which may be a problem if she needs more care than your parents can provide.

If your mum and aunt are worried about unfairness, then get a surveyor to advise about how the annex will affect the value of the house, and if necessary gran can adjust the split of her estate so aunt gets a bit more , alternatively, she can take the view that if your mum and dad get a bit extra in due course, that equates to recognition of their care of her and it all evens out. 

I'd suggest that they get some advice about the likely difference that the annex will make to the value of the house - also , depending on whether it is a true annex - separate entrance, separate council tax etc., or an extension ( e.g. extra room and bathroom) may make a difference. It is is an actual annex then it might mean that your mum and fdad have ongoing expenses even fter your gran no longer needs it 

Jude57

Would it be possible to adapt your Gran's own home to suit her current needs? It's surprising what can be done with small spaces and there are grants for some things while other things are surprisingly cheap. I'd recommend asking your local council's Independent Living team (sometimes called Disabled Adaptations team) for an assessment to see what's possible. These teams often sit in Social Services departments or perhaps a Supporting People department. Your council's website should have details.

They'll look at the house from a practical point of view, what does Gran need to be able to remain safe and well in her own home. Be assured, they will not be making your Gran do anything she doesn't want to, and the adaptations could improve her confidence too.

sheramber

if it were to happen again and she was on her steep terraced stairs, for example, it could be fatal. She is 78.

it sounds like her confidence has been dented.

Are these  garden steps outside? Can a ramped path be created through the garden so it is a slope rather than steps?

If family live close by , could a rota be set up for someone to visit / contact gran each day to ensure she is okay?

Dark_Star

78 isn’t that old. How about a stair lift indoors & reconfigure whatever is the issue outside. Or as per previous suggestions, a retirement flat. My aunt has one in a fab location overlooking a river. She’s never bored of the view 😀