MAKING sure you choose the right care home to meet your needs should receive your careful consideration. Some older people may think you have to go into a home designated by your local authority. But that could not be further from the truth. In this section we explain the procedure to select the best care home for you…

STRUGGLING to cope at home is an all too familiar story for many older people. But there is a lot of help out there. This section explains what help and support is available and how it is funded…

WHEN you move into a care home, the local council will means test your savings, capital and income. If you are over the prescribed limit of £23,250 of capital then you may have to contribute to the cost. This applies to both council-run and private care homes.

IN THIS section we examine the rules and regulations of what happens when one half of a couple enters a care home. We look at what happens to their capital and, crucially, what can happen to their own home. We also examine the rights and financial issues surrounding partners who remain at home after their loved one enters a care home…

GOING into a care home is a huge step for anyone. Some are lucky enough to be able to fund their own care, or have it paid for by social services or the NHS. But others have little choice but to sell their own home to fund their care home fees. However, this is not always the case and can be avoided in some circumstances. Here, we explain how the means test guidelines affect your house and home…

GOING into a care home is a life-changing moment. For some it offers company, security and a new lease of life. For others, it may not be the best option. Remember that most older people don’t actually need permanent care and there are plenty of alternatives. But for those who decide to go down the care home route, finding the right place to live is crucial…

HOW to pay for residential care is a complex area as well as being a political hot potato. It is also a worrying topic for older people who may need to go into a care home, but have no idea how it is going to be funded. In this section we try to navigate the financial maze surrounding paying for residential care…

Help With Costs (Non Means-Tested)

THE majority of people are expected to contribute to the cost of their care home accommodation from their own income and capital. This is calculated via a means test if the local council is involved, but there are some non means-tested exceptions…

AS you well know, every home with a television needs a TV licence. But you may not know that there is extensive help available in paying for one. In this section we examine the different concessions available to people over 50 and the regulations surrounding TV licences…

IN THIS section we examine the sensitive subject of what happens when a person lacks the mental capacity to consent to a specific course of care or treatment and the safeguards that offer them protection…