MANY DEMENTIA SUFFERERS PAYING TOO MUCH FOR CARE

19/03/2010

In the run up to the general election, with the political debate surrounding funding for housing, care and support for the elderly continuing to take centre stage, Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Dowson is warning that many families are being overlooked when it comes to getting the financial help their older relative is entitled to.

This advice follows the case of Judith Roe, who was refused funding for care home fees by the NHS, which concluded that Mrs. Roe’s condition was a social matter and not a healthcare issue. After selling her house to self-fund her £600 a week care home fees, Mrs. Roe successfully reclaimed £100,000 by challenging the health service’s decision – resulting in the Health Services Ombudsman demanding that the costs were reimbursed. Sadly, this news came after Mrs. Roe’s death.

Heather Kirk, Associate Solicitor at Rothera Dowson comments: “When someone close to you is diagnosed with dementia, the last thing families should be worrying about is how they’re going to finance the care required to ensure that quality of life is maximised. There’s so much confusion surrounding what you are, and are not, entitled to – it’s a minefield.

“Few know that full NHS continuing care funding is available for those suffering from medical conditions – including dementia; others may have to self-fund and only qualify for help from the local authority when funds drop to £23,250.  Pressures on budgets within the NHS and the local authorities mean that some people are wrongly charged for all care costs, when really the NHS should be putting its hands in its pockets.

“We’re urging those with dementia and their families to ensure they get what they’re entitled to and challenge decisions of local authorities and NHS trusts in this area”.

For advice about care home fees, please contact the team at Rothera Dowson on 0800 124 4012.