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Many families are concerned about how future care home fees may affect their home, savings and inheritance. At Gladstone Solicitors, our Wills and Probate Team provides clear, practical and responsible guidance to help you understand the rules and plan ahead with confidence.

We offer basic advice on the legal and financial considerations involved, and where specialist tax or financial input is required, we can liaise with accountants or seek advice from Counsel specialising in care funding, trusts and taxation.

Understanding Care Home Fees

Care home funding can be complex. Whether someone pays for their own care or receives local authority support depends on:

• Their income
• Their savings and investments
• Whether they own a property
• Their care needs
• Whether they live alone or with a partner

We can explain the rules in clear, straightforward terms so you understand how they apply to your situation.

What the Local Authority Can and Cannot Take Into Account

We can provide guidance on:

• How the family home is treated
• When the home is disregarded
• The 12‑week property disregard
• Jointly owned property
• How savings and investments are assessed
• The difference between temporary and permanent care
• When a financial assessment takes place

Our aim is to help you understand the system so you can make informed decisions.

Deprivation of Assets – Planning Responsibly

Many people worry about “losing the house to care fees”. We provide realistic, responsible advice on what is and is not allowed.

We can explain:

• What counts as deprivation of assets
• When gifts may be challenged
• How the local authority investigates
• What sensible, legitimate planning looks like
• When a trust may or may not be appropriate

We will always give honest guidance based on your circumstances.

Using Wills and Trusts as Part of Sensible Planning

In some cases, planning through your Will or through certain types of trusts may help protect assets for your family.

We can provide basic advice on:

• Life interest trusts
• Property protection trusts
• Planning for blended families
• Protecting vulnerable beneficiaries

Where specialist tax or trust advice is needed, we can:

• Liaise with your accountant
• Instruct an accountant on your behalf
• Seek advice from a specialist Trusts & Tax Barrister

This ensures you receive accurate, reliable guidance.

Planning for Couples

Care fee rules can affect couples differently depending on:

• Whether they own property jointly or individually
• Whether one or both may need care
• Whether one partner continues living in the home

We can explain how the rules apply and what options may be available.

Care Home Fees and Powers of Attorney

Having a Property & Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney in place is extremely important if someone may need care in the future.

It allows trusted attorneys to:

• Manage finances
• Deal with the local authority
• Make decisions in the person’s best interests
• Ensure care fees are handled properly

(See our Powers of Attorney page for more information.)

Free Initial Appointment

We offer a free, no‑obligation initial appointment to discuss care home fee planning and answer your questions.

Appointments can take place:

• At our Arnold office
• At your home
• In a care home or hospice
• Via Teams or Zoom

Fees and Price Transparency

Our fees for care‑related planning are published in accordance with the SRA Price Transparency Rules. Full details can be found on our Price Transparency page.

We will always explain costs clearly before you decide how to proceed.

Contact Our Wills & Probate Team

📞 0115 9555 050 📧 info@gladstonesolicitors.co.uk

We are here to help you plan ahead with clarity, confidence and peace of mind.