Protecting Your Home from Care Home Fees

One of the most common concerns we hear from clients in Bridlington is: "Will the council take my house to pay for care?" It's a fear that weighs heavily on many families, especially as the cost of residential care in England continues to rise.

The good news is that there are legitimate, legal steps you can take to protect your home — but they need to be done properly and, ideally, well in advance of needing care. This guide explains your options clearly and honestly.

How Care Home Fees Work in England

When someone needs residential care in England, the local authority carries out a financial assessment (often called a "means test") to decide how much the person should contribute towards their care costs.

The current thresholds are:

• Over £23,250 in assets — you pay the full cost of your care
• Between £14,250 and £23,250 — you contribute from your assets, and the council pays the rest
• Under £14,250 — the council pays for your care (but you contribute from your income)

When Your Home Is NOT Counted

Your property is excluded from the financial assessment if any of the following people still live there:

• Your spouse or civil partner
• A partner (including an unmarried partner)
• A relative aged 60 or over
• A relative who is disabled or incapacitated
• A child under 18 who you're responsible for

In some cases, the local authority may also use its discretion to disregard the property — for example, if a carer who gave up their own home to look after you is still living there.

Legal Ways to Protect Your Home

There are several legitimate strategies that can help protect your property. The right approach depends on your circumstances, your family situation, and when you start planning.

The most effective strategy for many couples is a combination of tenancy in common and a life interest trust:

What About the Care Cost Cap?

You may have heard about the government's proposed cap on care costs. The plan was to introduce a £86,000 lifetime cap on the amount anyone would need to spend on their personal care. However, this has been repeatedly delayed and there is currently no confirmed date for its introduction.

Even when (or if) the cap is introduced, it only covers personal care costs — not accommodation and food, which make up a significant portion of care home fees. This means the cap alone won't fully protect your home.

Planning Ahead in Bridlington and East Yorkshire

Many of our clients in Bridlington come to us specifically because they're worried about care fees. East Yorkshire has a higher proportion of older homeowners than the national average, and with property values varying widely, the right advice matters.

Whether you own a modest terraced house or a larger family home, the principles are the same: plan early, get proper legal advice, and make sure your Wills are structured correctly.