Property market freeze pushing families struggling to pay care fees to breaking point

If someone has less than £23,250 in savings or property equity, the council will pay some of their fees. However, it will cover costs only up to a set limit, which may mean having to move to a cheaper care home. This is almost impossible during the pandemic, as many care homes are refusing to take new residents.

“I may have to take over full-time care myself”

Janet Skirrow, 63, from Derbyshire, sold her mother’s home to pay for her care three years ago. She is very worried about what will happen when this money runs out. “I may have to move her into my home and take over full-time care myself,” she said.

Councillor Ian Hudspeth of the Local Government Association, which represents local authorities, said councils wanted to be able to help people choose the best way to pay for their care, including via DPAs.

“However, this is not necessarily the most suitable solution for everyone, which may explain some of the low take-up. We understand the importance of promoting DPAs as an option, but councils also need to take account of the extra pressures on their already overstretched social care budgets,” he added.

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said it offered DPAs to all those eligible, giving information and discussing it with families during home visits and the financial assessment process.

Are you worried about how you will cover your loved one’s care fees? Get in touch by emailing marianna.hunt@telegraph.co.uk