sale of property to fund nursing home fees

[black bunny]

My dad,86, has just gone into a nursing home(he needed just about constant attention). He put his home in my name following the death of my mum Feb 08, I sold it April 09 and bought a new home for him to live in to be nearer to me. I never thought my dad would ever have to go into a home as he was in very good health till a few weeks ago-he put his home in my name simply to make things less complicated in the event of his death.

My dad is self funding his fees at the moment as his capital exceeds �16,000. When the time comes for me to ask Social Services for help to pay the fees, I'm really worried they will force me to sell his home to pay the fees. How likely is this to happen?

[factor-fiction]

Likely.

[Rosetta]

Very likely, its only been in your name for a very short period of time. One alternative is for the propery to be rented out, and this income to be used towards his care fees, but you may find there is a shortfall which he will still have to fund. His local Social Services Department will have an explanatory leaflet about funding residential/ nursing care.

As he is self funding at the moment ensure that he is getting his full benefit entitlement eg Attendance Allowance .

Your local CAB can offer independent advice as will Age Concern.