Anyone is free to give their money to whom they like at any time, without restriction.
However if the donor dies within 7 years, some or all of that money will still count as part of their estate when liability for Inheritance Tax is calculated:
http://www.hmrc.gov.u...ey-property/index.htm
See 'Trying to avoid care home fee payments', here, for information upon the effect of gifts given by someone who enters into a care home:
http://www.direct.gov...CareHomes/DG_10031523
It's also worth remembering that the increased assets of the person receiving the gift might affect their entitlement to certain state benefits (or, for example, to legal aid if it's required for some purpose).
Chris