Dear Clive
Mr Clive McKeag - our senior consultant provides advice on a range of legal issues and is published weekly in the Chronicle Extra.
Dear Clive,
My mother has Alzheimer's disease and is now in a care home. She pays a fee each month for staying there but I've heard that she should not have to pay anything. Is this correct?
Mary
Dear Mary
People in care homes do not automatically have to pay for their own care.
Every person who requires long-term care, because they are unable to take care of themselves, should be individually assessed for their medical and health needs first rather than their ability to pay.
If the primary reason a person is in a nursing home is because of their nursing care and heatlth needs, the NHS are responsible for the care home fees.
If your mother is in a or care home because of her physical or mental health needs she may be paying fees that shold have been funded by the NHS.
If you would like us to assess whether your mother could be eligible to claim back the fees she has paid contact us on 0191 2131010 and ask to speak to the Nursing Fee Reimbursement department.
Clive
