To Sell Or Not To Sell Mum's House?

[losgigs]

My Mum has lived with OH and I for 3 years (She has Alzheimers - I'm her carer) but she still owns her house which we use for holidays. If she needed to go into care, I'm wondering whether we would have to sell her house to help with costs. Would it be advisable for me (her only living offspring) to have my name put on the deeds now? I already have EPA. Trying to think ahead, before the situation arises.

[Barmaid]

Is your mum able to deal with her own affairs? If not, you need to register the EPA and then you can sell the house legitimately as attorney. No need for you to change the Title into your own name.

[Connemmara]

Hi Barmaid - different set-up - in August I will have finally paid off my house - it is mine only and I never married. I would like my nieces and nephews to get some of it - but if I have to go into care will the care home take all of my house. That is depressing talk!

[losgigs]

Thanks, Barmaid. No, she's not able to handle her own affairs and we have registered the EPA recently. Just wondering whether local authority will take into account the value of the house when assessing her assets. She has very little savings and just has her pension + pension credit.

[bednobs]

yes they will

[EDDIE51]

I do not think putting your name on the deeds will make a difference, the only way the house would not be taken into account would be if you lived there and owned 1/2 of it. If there is a co-owner who has the right to live in the house it's value is effectively zero so it is not considered an asset. So will not be used to offset care home fees.
They do not actually force you to sell the house now , but a charge will be put on it that has to be paid back when it is eventually sold.
For advice about this contact 'AgeUk' the charity , they have specialist advisers who can tell you all the legal ways to avoid care fees from property owned by people who need to be put into care.
But do it now ! with care home fees at a minimum of £600 a week the house value will not last long ! If your Mum was ever to need '1 to 1' 24/7 care the fees are from £3000 per week !

[losgigs]

Thanks for taking the time to post your answer, Eddie (and others). It's unlikely that we will ever live in the house, as it's about 100+ miles from us, but it is a useful place for us all to have a break together. Will contact Age UK when we need legal advice. :)

[Goodsoulette]

Taxpayers pay the fees of those who cannot afford to, not those who have money hidden away, I'm afraid.

I think, and don't quote me on this that you have to dispose of your assets 7 years before requiring care. Can I ask what you think putting your name on the deeds would achieve?