Forums Forums National News Cost of care for the elderly

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31015807

This is very concerning. I assume that a fair proportion of contributors on here are over 65yrs and own their own homes. Guiltily I have tended to bury my head in the sand on this but as time goes on I am getting more worried. It seems that if you have very little means you will be ok but those of us of even only modest means, who have paid our mortgages and saved a couple of bob, could just have it wiped out if we need looking after.

It does not seem fair atall. My Grandad pays his own care home fees - the only one there who does.

Difficult one this as I can't decide if it is fair for us (my wife and me) to have to pay for care for either or both of us if we have a bit of savings or should it be down to the state.I know people say that those who have spent all their money and not saved then get free care but as they have no money they can't pay.The only good thing is that you cannot be thrown out of your home but the state may have the right to claim costs from your estate.So all the ideas of leaving money to the children disappear.The situation is mainly caused because we all live longer now thanks to better medical care from cradle to grave.Almost a catch 22 situation insofar as the State NHS keeps us alive longer but when we do the state takes any spare cash we have.

A few years ago, there was a drive to get as many old people out of their homes and into care homes. Subjecting them to their homes being sold and the fees coming out of the capital.
That, in one respect is quite acceptable.

My thoughts are that the whole thought process behind this was, to release more houses on the market for an ever increasing demand for properties, and the money tied up was back in circulation. Well, it's come back to bite them in the bum. Now they are hoping to have more care for the poor old dears within their home. Why didn't they leave things alone ?
I still cannot understand how it cost £500/£600 per week for these places and more, depending on ones assets. Surely for those who do pay, the cost per head is exactly the same for the care received, not calculated on each persons financial position.
For that cost, I'm sure it would be comparative cost to live in a hotel. At least they could have some intelligent company, use computers, and get pissed every night !

Salmon, that is exactly the problem. We expect to leave something for our family but as certain political entities believe that all people should be equal and inheritance is a dirty word.

Just thinking about a friend who has recently had to place her mum in a home. She is 99yrs of age, can't see, can't hear and her greatest pleasure is sucking sweets. The home have banned the sweets, because she may get diabetes !!!!!

My Grandad lives in a council run Care Home. My sister- in particular would like him to move to a Private Home- extra perks such as a private land-line, choice of meals, wine with meals etc (just top of my head differences)BUT- he will not pay out an extra £200 (on average) to fund a more 'luxurious'lifestyle.

Of course, he has earnt his money and saved it with a view to funding care in later life. Frivolity does not equate to savings, does it? Certainly, not back 'in the day'. He has always been frugal with himself- hence the savings that he now 'lives on'.

My Grandads issue is that the other 'inmates'- as he calls them are largely senile/ have Alczeimers Disease- and so why pay 'extra' when the 'inmates'in a private home will likely be the same??

Where he is- as i say- he self funds and nobody else does. he -quite rightfully gets no preferential treatment over the other elderly folk who are 'council funded' although he does have the luxury- for want of a better word-to be able to send family on 'Munch Missions' for nibbles and fund extras that he may need.

Grandad is a sugar-fiend. One of his bug-bears is the complete lack of sugar available at meal- times. Custard- sugar free, for instance. Cook told him- due to the diabetics.

He has his own KG bags of'stash', in his room. Takes a little pot of sugar down with him at mealtimes and guards it with his life!!! LOL

Calls his secret #sugarstash White Gold

We all need a sugar fix sometimes. Make sure he drinks enough too. These homes tend to keep the fluids to a minimum, apart from the old water, which is so boring. A good old top up of Lucozade might be enjoyed. Dehydration causes lots of problems for them, including dementia. Then they get stuffed with pills. Before you know it they sit in a corner and watch their world fall apart in front of them.

No doubt the figures of elderly will rise even more now. Apart from staying healthy longer, the Liverpool Pathway must have helped the figures for a while. So glad that has been knocked on the head.

Looking at figure for home care


Approximately:
•£11,000 per year if you have a carer coming in for 14 hours a week
•£30,000 per year for full-time care during the day, or
•65,000 per year for carers day and night however this could be less depending on your needs

or
According to PayingForCare, depending on where in the UK you live, care homes can cost an average of:
•£28,000 per year for a residential care home, or
•£37,500 per year if nursing is required

Don't know when this was but it certainly won't be less now.

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/care-home-or-home-care

It might be worth moving to Scotland.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/H.../Older-People/Free-Personal-Nursing-Care

Get all your assets switched into trusts for your kids and before you get too old go and blow all your hard earned cash. Only problem then is you don't really get to pick your own nursing home and some are dire. A good solicitor can advise