Paying for a parents care home

wild_one

So, how do I deal with this. My mother lives in a care home with chronic dementia. My father has taken over her financial responsibilities and the DWP pay her 'money' into his account where he subsequently pays the care home. This arrangement is mostly satisfactory for him. I was wondering, if the worse was to happen and my father passed away, how I would deal with the finances. Bearing in mind I am claiming ESA/HB/CTR, would I have to have my mums 'money' paid into my account, because that's income isn't it? 

debsidoo

Hi @wild_one
  Finances can be difficult with an elderly parent. If you should have to take on this role for your mother there are ways for you to manage her finances. A Power of Attorney is probably not suitable as you mentioned chronic dementia. There is such a thing as becoming a Deputy which involves applying to the Court of Protection.
There are online articles giving you advice on how to proceed which were a great help to me or if you have access to a solicitor they will take you through the process.Be warned though it is not free so you will have to pay fees for this. It is just one avenue to explore. I am no legal expert so please research your options carefully beforehand.
  Age U.K. will probably have an application pack they can send you that’s where I got ours.
    Debsidoo.x

wild_one

Thanks for the teply. And yes my father needed power of attorney to be able to deal with dwp ob behalf of my mum. But my question is, as a person on means tested benefits, would i be allowed to have my mums pension/pension credit paid into 'my' account to be able to pay her care home every month?

debsidoo

Hi @wild_one
I think you would need to contact DWP closer to the time as regulations seem to change that quickly these days it’s impossible to know this in advance. Or maybe speak to the finance officer at the care home they will be able to point you in the right direction for professional advice. As this is only a forum no one here will be able to give this kind of advice.Sorry I can’t be of more help.
       Debsidoo.x

Adrian_Scope

Hello @wild_one, no it shouldn't affect your benefits. You will need to become your mother's power of attorney and appointee for benefits though.

wild_one

Adrian_Scope said:

Hello @wild_one, no it shouldn't affect your benefits. You will need to become your mother's power of attorney and appointee for benefits though.

I see, thanks

wild_one

I was pondering how this would actually work in the real world for me. Bearing in mind my father has 'power of attorney' over my mums affairs as her pensions contributes towards the care home bill. The time that took to put in place, weighed in with dealing with DWP that move at a glacial pace, and he doesn't have the added complication of claiming any means tested benefits.

Interesting times ahead me thinks?

poppy123456

You need to become her appointee first so that you can deal with her benefits. Having her benefits into your bank won't affect any of your benefits because it's not your money. Once that's in placed then deal with the POA.

April2018mom

Become her official appointee first. Then you can deal with all of her benefits and then deal with other matters as they arise. I recommend contacting DWP, a lawyer and a financial planner and see about getting decent advice too. Good luck!! 

wild_one

So, bearing in mind my father currently has power of attorney, when would I take over that role. Is it something that can only happen when he is no longer living? How long does it take to become an appointee?

My problem is that there is very little information available. On the last few time I've used CAB they have merely googled information while I sat there and watched. I also suspect that lawyers specialising in benefits, would not be cheap?

Thank you for all the advice, I'm not trying to be difficult but it is what it is?

anonG

I reported my mum went into nursing home Scotland and being her appointee her benefits stopped. I automatically though benefits went to nursing home.

April2018mom

My grandmother used to work in a care home. Do you have a care company in your town? If so reach out to them for advice and support. They can give you up to date information. 

anonG

Hi i think if your dad tellsdwp he would like to pass your mums benefits to you as appointee for your mum it could be possible. Good luck

poppy123456

anonG said:

I reported my mum went into nursing home Scotland and being her appointee her benefits stopped. I automatically though benefits went to nursing home.

It depends what benefits she received before going into the care home and who pays the care home fees. I'd advise you to get some face to face advice from your local CAB.