They Took Mum’s House to Pay for Her Care – Brighton Son Speaks Out After £189,000 Dementia Bill

Richard Swann from Brighton says he watched his mother lose everything she worked for – not to dementia itself, but to the £1,250-a-week care bill that came after.

His mum, Eileen Swann, was 88 when she was moved into a residential care home following a sudden decline due to dementia. What the family didn’t know was that because Eileen owned her flat and had savings, she was classed as a self-funder.

“We assumed there would be help. She had dementia. She’d paid into the system her entire life. But instead, they told us: ‘Because she has assets, she has to pay in full.’”

Over the next 29 months, her total bill reached £189,000.
Eileen’s flat in Hove was sold to cover the cost.

She Always Said She Wanted to Leave Something Behind

Richard says the hardest part wasn’t just the money — it was the loss of his mum’s dignity and legacy.

“She was a quiet woman. Never asked for much. She didn’t want to be a burden. And in the end, the system treated her like one.”

Eileen had always said she wanted her home to be left to her grandchildren.
Now there’s nothing left to pass on.

A Conversation That Came Too Late

Richard admits he’d heard about estate planning before, but like many families, he thought it was something to deal with “later.

“We had the talk — too late. I wish we’d done it five years earlier. It would’ve cost a fraction of what we ended up paying.”

Eileen never protected her assets through a estate planning. And like thousands of families across England, that decision cost them everything.

The Truth About Dementia Care in Brighton

Dementia care in Brighton can cost £1,200–£1,400 per week
If you have over £23,250 in England, you must pay for care yourself
Your home can be taken and sold unless it’s legally protected in advance

Most people never speak to estate planners because they’re put off by the price — often £200–£280 per hour. That’s why Later Living Helpline has partnered with professionals who now offer free appointments to people aged 60+.

If you live in Brighton or the surrounding area, we strongly urge you to take this free advice while it’s available. It could save your family everything.