Care Home Fees

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Care Home Fees Solicitors

Care Home Fees: Expert Legal Advice to Protect Your Assets

Care home fees can run into thousands of pounds a month, and the thought of losing your home or your family’s inheritance to pay for care is one of the biggest worries facing older people and their families across the UK.

At Painters Law, we help individuals and families understand their options, protect their assets, and plan ahead with confidence. Whether you’re planning early, facing a sudden care need, or dealing with a parent’s care costs, our specialist solicitors can guide you through every step.

Speak to our care fee specialists today

How Much Are Care Home Fees in the UK?

Care home fees vary significantly depending on location, the level of care needed, and whether nursing care is involved. Residential care typically costs more in the South East and London, while nursing care commands a higher fee than residential care alone. Costs can easily reach several thousand pounds a month, which is why early legal advice matters.

We can help you:

  • Get a clear picture of what you’re likely to pay based on your circumstances
  • Determine if you’re eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding
  • Understand the local authority means test and how it affects your savings and property
  • Set up wills and trusts to safeguard your family’s inheritance

Do I Have to Sell My House to Pay for Care Home Fees?

This is the question we’re asked most often, and the good news is the answer isn’t always yes. Selling your home isn’t automatic, and there are legitimate options that let you keep it while managing care costs. Our solicitors will assess your financial situation and talk you through alternatives, including:

  • Deferred Payment Agreements (DPA) – let you delay paying care costs against your home’s value, rather than selling straight away
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding – if you meet the eligibility criteria, the NHS may fund your care in full
  • Family Trusts – can protect your home and assets for future generations when set up correctly and in good time

How to Avoid Care Home Fees Legally: Can I Gift My House to My Children?

Gifting your house to your children might sound like a straightforward solution, but it carries real risk. If the local authority believes the gift was made specifically to avoid care costs, this can be treated as deliberate deprivation of assets, and you could still be assessed as if you owned the property.

We provide clear, honest advice on:

  • The legitimate ways to pass on property while minimising risk
  • How wills and trusts can protect assets when structured properly
  • The knock-on impact for inheritance tax and financial assessments

Choosing a Care Home: What You Need to Know Before You Commit

Before signing anything, it’s worth understanding your legal rights and financial obligations. We can guide you through:

  • Third-Party Top-Up Fees – where family members contribute extra towards a preferred care home
  • Care Home Contracts – making sure the terms are fair before you sign
  • Lasting Power of Attorney – so someone you trust can make financial and health decisions if you’re no longer able to

Care Home Fees and Inheritance Tax: Protecting Your Family’s Wealth

Inheritance tax can significantly reduce what’s passed on to your loved ones, especially once care costs have already eaten into the estate. Our team provides tailored advice to help you:

  • Understand current inheritance tax thresholds and available reliefs
  • Use trusts and gifting strategies effectively and within the rules
  • Structure your will to be as tax-efficient as possible

Protecting Vulnerable Family Members

If you have children or dependants who need long-term support, a properly structured trust can secure their financial future. We assist with:

  • Trusts for disabled or vulnerable family members
  • Asset protection in the event of divorce or bankruptcy within the family
  • Flexible inheritance planning that adapts as circumstances change

Why Choose Painters Law for Care Home Fee Planning?

  • 70+ years of combined experience in elder law and estate planning
  • Personalised advice – every family’s situation is different, and we tailor our guidance accordingly
  • Comprehensive support – from wills and probate to lasting powers of attorney, we cover every angle of care fee planning

Get Expert Care Home Fees Advice Today

Planning for care home fees doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right legal advice, you can protect your home, your savings, and your family’s future.

Speak to our specialist solicitors today and get clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Contact Painters Law | Kidderminster: 01562 822 295 | Stourport: 01299 822 033

Meet the team

Your specialists.

John Kane
Chief Operating Officer
Kidderminster Office
Wills & Probate
Sam Moyle
Private Client Executive
Kidderminster Office
Wills & Probate
Yvonne Nordass
Solicitor
Kidderminster Office
Wills & Probate
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's

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Do dementia sufferers have to pay care home fees in the UK?
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Our solicitors can assist in understanding how dementia affects care home fees, and help you navigate through the funding options available, including government support and potential use of assets to cover costs.

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Are next of kin responsible for care home fees?
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At Painters Law, we can advise you on the legal implications of care home fees. While next of kin generally aren't liable for these fees, understanding how the law applies to your situation can help in making informed decisions about care funding and estate planning.

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