Have You Had the Conversation With Your Children?

We all want to believe our loved ones will take care of us if we ever need help.
Many people assume that their children—or their spouse—will step in if care is ever needed later in life.

You might have even heard your children say:
“I’ll never let you go into care, Mum.”
“Don’t worry, Dad—we’ll always look after you.”

But as comforting as those words are, the reality is often very different from the intention.

🕰️ It's Not Like It Used to Be

When our parents or grandparents got older, there was usually someone at home—often the wife or daughter—who stepped in as the family carer. But that world has changed.

Most households now need two incomes to stay afloat.
Bills, mortgages, childcare, and everyday life are more expensive than ever.
There are more single parents, full-time working families, and greater financial pressure on the next generation.

Even with the best intentions, most children simply can’t afford to give up work to become full-time carers. And even if they could, there’s another issue…

🧠 Care Needs Are Complex

Conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other later-life illnesses aren’t just emotionally tough—they’re medically complex.
And no matter how much your family loves you, they likely aren’t trained to care for you properly.

Even if your children or spouse have Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), that doesn’t mean they can keep you at home.

A doctor or care team will decide whether staying at home is safe—and if they decide outside care is needed, your family doesn’t have a choice.
The LPA only gives them a say in which care home you go to, not whether you go at all.

💷 What Happens Then?

If you’re a homeowner in the UK and need care, you’ll be expected to pay for it if your assets (including your home) are worth more than £23,250.

Most care homes cost £1,000–£2,000 per week.
That means your home may be sold to fund the cost of care — and your family will lose their inheritance.

💬 Why This Conversation Matters

Children often avoid the topic of inheritance because they don’t want to sound greedy.
But this isn’t about greed.
This is about protecting the home you worked your entire life for — and making sure it goes to the people you love, not the government.

Ask yourself:

Can your children afford to pay for your care?
Can they afford to quit their job or take time off long-term?
If not, will your home be the first thing lost when care is needed?

You don’t need to have all the answers. But you do need to start the conversation.

🧑‍💻 Free Estate Planning Review – Your Family Can Join

If you’re a UK homeowner aged 60 or over, you’re entitled to one free estate planning review.

It’s done online by video call, and your children can join in from anywhere in the world.

An experienced estate planner will:

Answer your questions and theirs
Explain whether your estate can be protected from care fees
Tell you what steps (if any) you should consider taking

It’s free, private, and puts you back in control.

This isn’t a conversation anyone wants to have.
But it could save your home—and your family’s future.
Speak to your loved ones today. Invite them to the call.
It costs nothing, but could protect everything.