Means testing and Care Home Provision

helenbleasdale82

An enquiry on behalf of my family. 

Care home financial support is means tested. Is it tested on the income/assets of the couple or the individual? For example if the spouse has their own income / property / savings, would this be taken into account?

thanks in advance 

olgadapolga

When my dad was assessed, it was only HIS income/savings that were taken into account. Mum's was not included.

PennyForThem_2

But Mum might be dependent on his income.  This possibly isn't the forum for this question.  Not sure which forum would bemore suitable - should be a forum dedicated to social needs in older age.  Maybe try disabilities forum?

(But what do I know?  Maybe you will get the answers you are looking for.)

middlewife

Each individual is assessed separately. The individual is expected to fund their care in full until they have £23500 left at which point ss makes a contribution on a sliding scale. They will pay a fixed amount. If you choose a more expensive home then any excess will have to be paid as a top up. Age uk have some excellent fact sheets and a helpline which should be able to help. The person also has to give up all their pension as a contribution except for £25  per week. We are currently considering whether residential  care is right for my 93 year old mum. Care costs are double for residential  care as opposed to carers coming in 4 times a day and meals on wheels, which my mum declared "disgusting  gloop"!!! Good luck, its a stressful time.