Care home top up fees

Rojom

Please note this is a Northern Ireland case.  There is no continuing healthcare policy.

My friends mum has gone into a home she is 91.  Currently an assessment of financial situation being carried out.  She has some savings (under the amount she is allowed to hold) and a small works pension and state pension.  Friend is aware that all her mum's pension will be used to fund her care and that she will be left a token amount.  Also been made aware that there is a possible (very likely) top up amount for the home which will require paying following the amount her mum pays plus what social services will contribute.  They are happy with the home so far and would like her to stay there.  My friend has signed the forms for this top up amount and will set up a direct debit from her account.  She has five siblings.  One of these siblings manages her mothers money and has said that she will set up a direct debit from her mothers account (her savings) into my friends account so that she will be reimbursed for this top up.  Although it is a round about way of doing it my understanding is that her mother is not "allowed: to pay for this top up amount - (as a financial assessment has been carried out and she is paying what they have deemed her to be able to afford) and what they are doing is illegal/financial abuse.  My friend is arguing that no one will ever find this out?  (her mother has no will btw).  It is unlikely that her mother will live to such a point that her "savings" if used in this way will ever run out prior to her death unless the top up fee rises drastically from what they are suggesting it will be.  Any thoughts?  (I advised my friend not to sign the forms but she went ahead and did so already prior to the full assessment being completed.). It is likely to be £50 top up but cant remember if this is per week or per month.

Keep_pedalling

Someone in care is not allowed to top up their own care, which is what is being proposed here.

Rojom

I understand that.... I am querying whether it is not allowed or illegal?  And how might it be discovered and what would happen if they do follow what is outlined above and get "caught"