If you need care primarily for a medical condition, rather than just growing old, the NHS should pay for a care home. This includes dementia and the needs that come with it. So ask about the NHS paying and appeal if it is refused.
If the NHS will not pay, then your income and assets will be assessed to see if you have to pay some or all of the fees yourself. If you own your own home, that will be your biggest asset - but it will not be counted if a spouse or partner lives there, or a relative over 60 or a disabled youner person. Ohterwise it will be counted and that will rule out any help from the local council.
However, you will never have to sell your home to pay for care, though you will come under huge pressure to do so, and many do. The local council should (and in England from April 2015 must) make a deferred payment agreement.
The fees clock up week-by-week but are only paid after your death, from your estate. Until April 2015, if the council refuses (which it should not) then you can simply refuse to pay the fees, and under separate legislation the council must provide accommodation and can recover the fees from your estate.
If your capital or savings are above £23,250 then you will be expected to pay for yourself until they fall below that. When they do, the local council authority should pay. But you will have to give up all your income except £24.40 a week for personal needs and you will make some contribution from your savings if they exceed £14,250 (except in Wales).
No one else can be expected to pay, but a relative or friend can 'top up' your fees to get you better care or a nicer home. Fees range from £450 to £1,000 a week. In Scotland, the council will pay the cost of nursing care.
Paul Lewis in Radio Times, 6-12 December 2014
