Care home - how do we best look after my dad please?

Albermarle

ian16527 said:

You will need to self fund until Dad reaches £23,250 when you will need to do a financial assessment with the council, usually a month or so before he gets to the figure above, that's If the NHS will not fund his care. I don't know the criteria for this so someone may expand on this.

My Dad was in same position last year, but as he would not get any better with the dementia they wouldn't fund the care, even for the first 6 weeks. I had to pay the council this, then pay care home fees until next month when the council will part fund. 

You should be backdating the Attendance Allowance claim, I think 3 months allowed. Put down what help he needs with anything and you should be applying for the higher rate as he is in the care home so 24 hour care. 

Regarding the house you can defer payment to the council, so dont be in a rush to sell just at the minute, You should have enough cash for at least 15 months care before you need to do the financial assessment 

that's If the NHS will not fund his care. I don't know the criteria for this so someone may expand on this.

The criteria is quite tough. As a rough guide, you need hospital style nursing, whilst at home/in a home.
So setting up drips, complicated and strong drug regimes, changing dressings etc .
Dementia normally does not qualify as it seen as more of a care issue.

vpdbac

Albermarle said:

Have you got Power of Attorney?

Yes, we have PoA for both health and finances. Am grateful that my mum was so organised when she was with us.

SVaz

Just be aware that if you start taking large amounts from his pension,  some will be taxed at 40% or even 45% so you will need to take out more than you think.
Has he already used up his tax free money from the pension?  

vpdbac

Grumpy_chap said:

vpdbac said:

My 79yo dad has severe dementia and after a fall a month ago has significantly reduced coordination in his left hand and left foot. 

He's been in hospital since and is moving to a retirement home on Monday. It's for at least 6 weeks while we see how much independence he has.

Is this initial period of 6 weeks funded by NHS?
Is any rehabilitation being provided?

Nope. They said they won't.
Nope. His dementia is too severe. I forget the exact wording but something like "would not be accepted by rehab team" partly cause he won't remember to do the exercises they give him. 

vpdbac

ian16527 said:

Regarding the house you can defer payment to the council, so dont be in a rush to sell just at the minute, You should have enough cash for at least 15 months care before you need to do the financial assessment 

Hi Ian, thanks for this, could you help me with your calculations for this please?

ian16527

vpdbac said:

ian16527 said:

Regarding the house you can defer payment to the council, so dont be in a rush to sell just at the minute, You should have enough cash for at least 15 months care before you need to do the financial assessment 

Hi Ian, thanks for this, could you help me with your calculations for this please?

This was a back of a fag packet calc if you remember the term estimating your Dads savings and income. We pay for my Dad £4540 per 28 days which is about average around here in the N East. Some are more expensive but the council will try to move them to a cheaper home if they are fully paying.

Sorry I classed the 70k was savings but someone has answered that with using an immediate needs care annuity of which I know nothing about.

Savings/Pension = £73000 - £23250 = £49750
State pension = £950 per 28 days
Attendance allowance - which you are entitled to claim - £441.60 per 28 days

Council allows £30 approx per week for personal needs which I havent deducted

assuming care home fees are similar to ours

4500-(950+441.60) = 3108.40 to be funded from savings /pension

49750/3108.40 = 15.6 months to reach the £23250 then you will need a Financial assessment from the council

Put your AA claim in asap. it takes a bit of time but is worth it, or contact the Alzheimer association who will have a benefits adviser to help.

vpdbac

SVaz said:

Has he already used up his tax free money from the pension?  

Yes, my parents took out a chunk a few years ago for this purpose. 

Purplelady65

Age UK have some really helpful leaflets about funding care. They are available online. They also have a helpline you can call for advice.