Planning for long-term care
Planning makes the potential transition to long-term care easier and a little less emotionally draining for all concerned. Nevertheless, it can be a complex and daunting task, but it’s important to start thinking about it early to ensure you have the best possible care plan in place should you need it. Maybe you won’t, but it helps those around you no end to be aware of your thoughts and preferences.
I should add that I am not personally an expert on care fees funding – but I can introduce you to one.
One of the key problems in long-term care is that there is no planning, and the steps which are taken are forced on you by circumstances. That inevitably means that they are taken too late, and results in further changes coming far sooner than would be ideal, creating extra stress for everyone.
Here are some key steps to consider:
- As a professional Will Writer, I would say that it is essential to ensure that your Will is up to date and takes appropriate precautions and that you have BOTH types of Lasting Power of Attorney in place, with the right attorneys. The attorneys you have appointed should be fully aware of your wishes and ideally party to the discussions.
- Understand your likely accommodation needs, now and in the future:
- Is your current home practical for the next 5= years?
- Would a bungalow or flat be better (expenses on large blocks of flats, especially with lifts tend to be higher than small modern ones)?
- Would sheltered accommodation be relevant? Careful investigation of expenses, contract terms and resale values and saleability are important. They are not a substitute for a Residential Care home, and most certainly not for a Nursing home.
- Where is your support network strongest?
Moving away from all your contacts to be with your family, who may be out at work all day and have their own lives to lead is not necessarily the right move. But maybe you are fit enough to make your own new contacts.
- How are your Health and Welfare needs likely to develop?
- Do you have any existing health conditions that might require care in the future? Are you likely to need physical assistance with the daily tasks of living, such as washing, dressing, or eating?
- Think about your lifestyle preferences. Would you prefer to stay in your own home with care, or would you be open to moving to a residential care home?
- Research your options:
There are a wide range of long-term care options available including:
- Home care: this involves care workers visiting your home to assist with daily tasks.
- Daycare: this provides care and support during the day, while you or your loved one lives at home.
- Supported living: support and most retirement living accommodation which you can buy will generally be at the bottom end of support – how long is this likely to be adequate for – buying and selling is stressful for everyone – so is the move worthwhile? Offerings include care and support in a supported living complex, where you have your own flat or bungalow but can access shared facilities and care services.
- You can find information about local care services on the NHS website or by contacting your local council.
- Consider the costs:
- Long-term care can be expensive, and the cost will vary depending on the type of care you need and where you live.
- The NHS Care funding may in relatively unusual circumstances pay for some or most of your long-term care, and you will have to pay for the rest yourself. The rules are complex and beyond me, but specialist advice is available at relatively modest fees – use the form at the foot to request a free initial chat. There are also rules about how much you can keep if you have to go into a care home. It is fair to say that decisions against the availability of NHS Care funding are not always correct, and overturning them with the help of the help of the expert we know can make a massive difference to finances – even after the event/
- In most circumstances, you will have to pay for all of your care if your capital exceeds £23,250 – and that will include your home unless your partner is still living in it, or a dependent child under the age of 18. After that the State may chip in, leaving you with a small pocket money allowance but still expecting you to pay “hotel costs.” Again, have an initial chat with our friendly expert via the form below.
- You can find more information about the costs of long-term care on the Care Quality Commission website.
- Make a plan:
- Once you have a better understanding of your needs and options, you can start to make a plan for your long-term care. This should include:
- The type of care you think you will need
- How you will pay for it
- Who will make decisions about your care if you are unable to do so yourself (Powers of Attorney are pretty much essential if you want yourself and your family to remain in control of your life including where you live and your welfare and medical treatment.)
- East Sussex County Council. On Residential Care.
- The NHS on Care. (PDF download).
- The Care Quality Commission website: https://www.cqc.org.uk/
- Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
- Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
