Losing the family home

sanfairyanne

I lost my job in the marine industry and suddenly have nowhere to live. My sister suggested I moved back to the family home to care for my parents who are in their late 70's. I would have offered to help long ago, but they do manage quite well. My sister claims that if I live in the home and have no other residence the council would not be able to force my parents to sell in the case where my parents eventually need to go into a care home. Sister tells me this would protect the family home (she's no doubt thinking of her inheritance share). Personally I think this sounds too good to be true. I had thought I would buy a small place in the same vicinity. I have to admit though; it would be far more practical if I live with my ageing parents. Their care should be a priority before all else, but I would like to know if my sister is correct. Do the rules perhaps change from one council / county to the next?
Any help would be much appreciated.

theoretica

It depends on how old you are when(if) the second of your parents needs to go into care.  If you are then over 60 sale of the home will not be enforced - though you may choose to do so to afford better private care for your parents.

sanfairyanne

Ok thank you. I am 50. So just to clarify; if the last parent had to go into care and I was, for example 59 then the council would force the sale.

Mojisola

sanfairyanne said:

Ok thank you. I am 50. So just to clarify; if the last parent had to go into care and I was, for example 59 then the council would force the sale.

They wouldn't force a sale - they would say that your parent will be self-financing. 
How their care is paid for is a decision for your parent and the family. If the only way to do this is by selling the house, that's what will have to happen. 

theoretica

sanfairyanne said:

Ok thank you. I am 50. So just to clarify; if the last parent had to go into care and I was, for example 59 then the council would force the sale.

The council would take the value of the house into account when judging that your parent could afford to pay for their own care.  It isn't the sale of the house they care about, just not funding the care. They aren't going to sweep down and force a sale if your parents or family pay the care bills without this.

sanfairyanne

Mojisola said:

sanfairyanne said:

Ok thank you. I am 50. So just to clarify; if the last parent had to go into care and I was, for example 59 then the council would force the sale.

They wouldn't force a sale - they would say that your parent will be self-financing. 
How their care is paid for is a decision for your parent and the family. If the only way to do this is by selling the house, that's what will have to happen. 

Thanks, I knew the council would seek cash before forcing the sale of property.

sanfairyanne

My mother just kindly informed me she has absolutely no intention of living beyond next Christmas! Needless to say she will probably outlive the Queen. Thanks for all the help everyone.