Long Term Care
How Do I Protect My Home And Assets From Care Costs?
Most of us work very hard over the years to buy our own homes and build up our savings for our retirement and would like to leave a “little something” for our children and grandchildren after we are gone.
Unfortunately, the costs involved in moving into a Care Home can literally wipe out your entire savings and your home may have to be sold to pay for care fees. This could mean that your loved ones could receive very little, or even nothing at all of what you originally intended them to have.
When someone enters care they are automatically “means tested” and ALL of your assets, including your home are taken into account. Only those who have very few assets will escape the costs of care.
So what can be done?
Firstly, it is important to safeguard your home and the first step is to look at the way you currently own your home.
The majority of people own their homes Jointly which means that on first death, the survivor would then own 100% of the full property value and this is when your home becomes vulnerable to attack from Care.
Simply changing the way you own your home to what is known as Tenants In Common, combined with the appropriate Trust planning, will effectively ensure that your property is fully protected should either of you enter care.
So what about my other assets – my bank accounts and savings?
Once again, changing the way your assets are invested and held, can ensure that your cash or liquid assets are also protected from Care.
At Thames estate planning and Countrywide Legal Services our team of fully qualified Advisors are able to advise on all aspects of Care planning and provide you with the correct strategy to ensure that ALL your assets are protected.
If you fail to act now
Your home may have to be sold to pay
for your Long Term Care costs.
Your savings and investments could be wiped out
Any income would be assessed and used towards the cost of your care.
Your children and grandchildren could lose their entire inheritance.
