Financing a Care Home

[StretchyLegs]

Hi
I wonder if anyone can help us. Sadly, my Father in Law has just died, and my Mother in law who is suffering from Alzheimers and Parkinsons needs 24 hour care. She is currently at a wonderful local care centre, and legislation states that if she has savings over �21,000 she must meet the full cost of her care until her savings drop below this amount.
She does now have approx �60,000 and I need to know what and if she is able to spend this money , do they have rules in place to stop the money being given to Grandchildren or buying herself new clothes and flowers each month?
I would be so grateful for any advice.
Many Thanks

[dzug]

From the look of it you are going to have to apply for Power of Attorney, and yes they have rules in place as to what you can spend her money on. They will certainly prevent it ALL going on the things you have mentioned, though some limited spending on those lines would probably be OK.

The Court of Protection (I think that's what they are called) will want to see that the money is spent for your MiL's benefit, not that of her relatives.

You could start here - http://www.officialsolicitor.gov.uk/functions/ court_protection.htm - but it looks heavy going to me.