Question 2
What are the Local Authority’s current thresholds for helping with my father’s residential care costs?
Since April 2006 the upper threshold has been £20,000. Above that level no local authority help with care costs is available. The lower threshold is £12,250. Those with assets below that level still have to contribute almost all of their income towards the cost of the care, but the full extent of the shortfall will be met by the local authority rather than out of the resident’s capital. Help is provided by the local authority on a sliding scale between the upper and lower thresholds.
Since July 2002 the Scottish Executive has contributed towards the personal care element of care costs for people aged over 65, and towards nursing costs for people of any age. This is a non-means tested benefit, but an assessment is carried out by the local authority to ensure that the applicant requires care before the allowance is awarded. A sum of £145 per week is paid to those people assessed as requiring personal care (including help with washing, dressing and feeding) and a sum of £65 per week is paid to those assessed as requiring nursing care (including the supervision of medication).
