Long-Term Care Planning

Arranging care for yourself or a member of your family can be a complicated process as well as being very emotional. There’s a lot to consider, and the process can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the right assistance to find the best possible care for you or your loved one.

Finding the right care is something that few people have experience of. The type of care, the location of the care home, which state benefits can be claimed and how it will all be funded are all very important are all very important points to consider.

How Long Will Care Be For?

It’s impossible to know how long care will be needed, meaning there’s know way of knowing how long it will have to be paid for. Running out of money for care means relying on your local authority for care funding, but there’s no assurance that they will maintain the same level of payments unless you make up the difference.

Another consequence of using up money on care is there’s no legacy to leave for family and loved ones. However, with careful financial planning for long-term care you can ensure care is fully funded for as long as it is needed, as well as safeguarding your capital.

Covering the Cost of Care

Own Income/Family Contribution

Your income from pensions, savings and investments may be enough to pay for your care in full or as a ‘top-up’. Another option is family covering some or all of the cost of care.

Savings

Savings can be used to cover the cost of long-term care, including ISAs, cash in deposit accounts and National Savings. This is very low risk, however, at current interest rates you’ll need to make sure your capital isn’t quickly eroded.

Investments

A variety of investments can be used to pay for long-term care, from shares to investment bonds. It should be kept in mind that the most profitable investments are generally the highest risk, so finding the right balance of investments is important.

Care Fees Plans

These are insurance plans that convert your capital into income to assist in paying care fees. You’ll pay a one-off lump sum, and in return you’ll receive a guaranteed income for life that is completely tax-free and paid directly to the care provider.

Utilising Your Property

The proceeds from the sale or letting of your house can be used to assist in paying for long-term care, options include; equity release, rental, or a deferred payment agreement (DPA).

• Equity Release – So long as there is still someone residing in the property there can be funds released while retaining the home. It should be noted the debt has to be cleared upon the owners death.
• Letting – Renting out a property can deliver a regular flow of income. It is important to be sure that the net income from letting a property is enough to cover bills, allowing for management costs and periods of vacancy.
• DPA – Deferred Payment Agreements allow you to access a loan from your local authority secured against your property. Interest can be accrued, and the debt must be repaid in entirely within 90 days of death.

Choosing the Right Care

Home Care

This is the option that most people consider first, and local authorities often provide support for this as long as possible. Home care doesn’t have to mean personal care, it can be as simple as hot meal, a laundry service, or assistance with cleaning and household chores.

Independent Living

When staying at home is no longer possible, but moving to a care home is not preferred, then independent living schemes may be the ideal compromise. You may have heard of them described as retirement villages, with the choice of facilities varying widely, as well as the type and level of care.

Residential Care

If there is more day-to-day personal care required then residential homes have care assistants readily on hand, perhaps making them the best option. It should be noted, in residential care there is no health or nursing care.

Nursing Care

If there is medical care required then having a registered nurse on hand and a higher staff/resident ratio is important, making a nursing home a more suitable option. Some care homes offer both residential and nursing beds, and are most suitable for anyone whose needs may change in the future.

EMI Specialist Care

Finding specialist care for the ‘Elderly Mentally Infirm’ is extremely important, as the home has to provide a very specific type of care. These homes will have a higher staff/resident ratio and a secure environment that is required for when dementia progresses.