Liability Of Daughter For Father's Care Fees.

[merson]

My father is having to go in to care because of dementia and he is violent.
First the social worker tried to get me to sell my house as he said it was too large for my needs ( 1 person in a 4 bedroom detached ) house but I refused as the house is mine).
Now social funding has been offered but he has said no home in the area will take Dad at the council usual rate and a top up of £1,000 per month will be needed.
I am a pensioner myself and I can not afford to pay it out of income. Can the council force me to sell the house.

Jane

[woofgang]

No they cannot force you to pay a penny.

[Jeza]

Your house, as long as your father has no attachment to YOUR house then no they cannot make you sell it.

[woofgang]

Has anything been said about funding from the NHS? What assets does your father have?

[Gizmonster]

I'm assuming that your father has no money or assets; or the council would be chasing him for the dosh.
They can't force you to sell your house; as long as your father didn't give you the house, or sell it you for less than market value; otherwise they could argue that he did so, intentionally trying to avoid care home fees in the future ......

[gness]

No.....not in a million years!
When my mother was in the same position as your Dad I was told there was only one home...a bad one....in the area that would take her.
I researched homes....contrary to what the social worker told me there were quite a few with places and she's now in the one of my choice funded by her pension and social funding.
She no longer has to top up from the sale of her house.
If she was violent and unpredictable on top of the dementia the NHS would pay all her fees.
It's a minefield so do your research....there are some very knowledgeable people on here who will advise you....my advice is only from personal experience.

[Maydup]

This is quite a useful link regarding paying for care. If you need support, contact Age UK and they will help and advise you.

Don't be bullied by these social workers as there is no need for you to pay for your fathers care.

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/care-homes/paying-for-permanent-residential-care/

[factor-fiction]

Which area of the country is this, Jane?

[black_cat51]

it's not unusual for a top-up to be required if a person specifies they want a certain home (and they have no beds available at the council rate) £1k pm is unusual though.
What is the situation with your dad at the moment? is he at home or in a care setting? does he have any of his own assets?

[lcg]

no - they are lying and i would make an official complaint about their conduct. how disgusting.

[sandyRoe]

If there was nothing written down the social worker could well say that there had been a misunderstanding. And I think they'd make sure that they didn't write anything that could show they were bullying you.

[lcg]

i would still complain - i would like to think that a manager would do their job if repeated complaints came through about a staff member. but.....this is social services, so i have little faith. but complain anyway!