Elder Care

UK Power of Attorney Types: LPA, EPA, Court-Appointed

UK Powers of Attorney come in several forms. Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) for Property and Financial Affairs and for Health and Welfare are the modern format. Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) made before October 2007 remain valid. Court-appointed deputyship covers situations where

16 Jun 2026 · 9 min read

UK Local Authority Care Funding Rules Explained

Local authority care funding in England is means-tested. Below GBP 14,250 of capital the council pays in full; between GBP 14,250 and GBP 23,250 a tariff income applies; above the upper limit the person self-funds. The home is generally included for residential care unless a spouse or

16 Jun 2026 · 9 min read

UK Elder Care Navigation: The Complete Guide

Caring for an elderly parent in the UK involves navigating capacity assessments, Power of Attorney, NHS continuing healthcare, local authority care funding, attendance allowance, and (sometimes) the Court of Protection. The system splits responsibilities between the NHS, local

16 Jun 2026 · 9 min read

UK Deprivation of Assets Rules for Care Funding

Local authorities can treat assets as still available for care funding if the person has deliberately deprived themselves of those assets to obtain or increase local authority funding. There is no fixed time limit; the test is the person's intention at the time of disposal. Gifts and

16 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

UK Deferred Payment Agreement for Care Explained

A Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) allows a local authority to fund a person's care while their home remains unsold, recovering the funds (with interest) from the eventual sale of the home or other assets. DPAs are governed by the Care Act 2014 and are available across England under

16 Jun 2026 · 9 min read

UK Court of Protection Process Explained

The Court of Protection is a specialist UK court that makes decisions on financial and welfare matters for people who lack mental capacity. It appoints deputies, resolves disputes, and authorises one-off decisions. The process is slower and more expensive than using a Lasting Power of

16 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

UK Carer's Allowance and Carer's Credit Explained

Carer's Allowance is a UK benefit of GBP 81.90 per week (2024 to 2025) for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone receiving qualifying disability benefits. Carer's Credit covers National Insurance years for carers caring at least 20 hours a week but earning above the

16 Jun 2026 · 9 min read

UK Care Home vs Home Care: The Decision Framework

The choice between a care home and home care depends on the level of care needed, family support available, the person's preferences, and cost. Home care typically costs less for lower-need cases; care homes are often more economical for very high-need cases requiring 24-hour support.

16 Jun 2026 · 9 min read

UK Care Funding: The Complete Guide

UK care funding splits between the NHS (Continuing Healthcare, free at the point of use for primary health needs), local authorities (means-tested for social care), self-funding (above the means-test upper limit), and benefits (Attendance Allowance, PIP). The system is complex; the rules

16 Jun 2026 · 9 min read

UK Care Needs Assessment Process Explained

A care needs assessment is a free assessment by the local authority of what care a person needs. It is the starting point for any care arrangement, regardless of who will pay. The assessment is conducted under the Care Act 2014 in England and is followed by a financial assessment if local

16 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

UK Attendance Allowance Explained

Attendance Allowance is a UK non-means-tested, tax-free benefit for people of State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision. Two rates apply: lower for help during the day or night, higher for help day and night. It does not affect other benefits but can increase

16 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding Explained

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) provides fully NHS-funded long-term care for adults whose needs are primarily health-related. Assessment is detailed and uses national criteria; many people with significant care needs do not qualify. Successful applicants receive free care including in care home...

17 Jun 2026 · 10 min read