What rights if can't afford top-up fee for domiciliary care?

[Janet_17031]

My dad is at the end of his life with terminal emphysema. He is at home, totally dependant for all care. He can't even operate a remote control or hold a cup any more. He has been paying for his care but savings are now low and he had a financial assessment. The council has agreed to pay towards his care costs but says the family needs to pay a top up of around £300 per week because he won't move into a care home. We can't afford this.

Do any of you lovely people know our rights in this? He can't have many weeks to live so we don't want to distress him by moving him against his wishes. As a last resort we could try taking out a loan and reclaiming it from his estate.

CHC have said they can only pay if within 8 weeks of death. We are asking for another assessment. His only intake has been milk for the last 8 weeks.

We would be so grateful for any advice.

Thank you

[bowlingbun]

I'm appalled. CHC isn't just for the last 8 weeks.
Have they now done a CHC checklist assessment?
What is the GP doing??
Is there a local hospice?

It is UNLAWFUL for Social Services to request top ups from family.
What authority area are you in?

What is dad's financial situation?
Does he own or rent his home?
Does he have ove £23,000 in savings? Yes/No.

[bowlingbun]

Hello again, I forgot to say earlier that if you Google "End of life care plan" you will find all sorts of useful information.

I once knew someone who was very ill with emphysema, on oxygen and struggling to breathe and talk.
It must be so distressing to see a parent like this.

[Pennie]

Full information on CHC Fast-track here:

https://www.continuing-healthcare.co.uk ... assessment

and note the following statement that appears in the text:

It should be noted that strict time limits that base eligibility on some specified, expected length of life remaining should not be imposed.

[Janet_17031]

Thank you all for your help and I'll certainly look up the information you have suggested.

Dad's savings come to £23,500 by the end of this month. The end of life team are involved but have only left a box of meds and doing nothing else I think. I've asked my sister to follow up CHC again but your comments are helpful about arbitrary time limits.

Any other suggestions really gratefully received.

[Ingrid Carers UK]

Hi Janet
I would suggest you contact our helpline and check what your rights are with them - Our Telephone Helpline is available on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or you can contact us by email (advice@carersuk.org)
Good luck
Ingrid

[bowlingbun]

If the doctor makes a CHC Fast Track application, care should be provided within 48 hours.