I Lost Mum AND Her Home” – Wrexham Daughter’s Warning After £226,200 Dementia Care Bill

Jessica Jones from Wrexham says her mother’s home was forcibly sold to pay for care fees – after a system she calls “cruel and broken” left them with no choice.

Her mum, Vera Jones, 82, was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. Within weeks, the family was told she’d need full-time care. What they didn’t expect was the price tag: £1,450 a week.

“We thought the NHS would step in. Instead, we were handed a bill for £1,450 – every single week. There was no help, no warning. Just invoices.”

Over three years, that added up to £226,200.

A Lifetime of Savings – Gone in Months

Vera had lived in her home in Wrexham for 43 years. It was mortgage-free and worth around £180,000. Jessica had begged her mum to protect it years earlier.

“I’d set up a family trust myself after speaking to an estate planner. I begged Mum to do the same. But she thought, ‘It’ll never happen to me.’”

Vera refused, believing the house was safe.

But in Wales, if you have more than £50,000, you’re classed as a self-funder. That includes savings, pensions – and your home.

“By the time we realised, it was too late. The council said we either paid the care fees or they’d take legal action to sell the house. We had no choice. It broke us.”

I Lost Her Twice

Jessica describes the experience as “grieving twice.”

“First I lost my mum to dementia. Then I had to sit by and watch everything she worked for be taken to pay for her care. There was nothing left to pass down. Not even a photo album.”

Jessica is now sharing her story to warn others in Wrexham and across Wales before it’s too late.

“Please don’t wait. If you own your home and have over £50k in assets, you’re on your own. We need to talk about this in Wrexham – people have no idea what’s coming.”

❗️What You Need to Know:

Dementia care in Wrexham can cost up to £1,450 per week
In Wales, anyone with over £50,000 must fund their own care
Your home counts unless you’ve protected it in advance with proper estate planning

“This could be your mum next. Or you.” Jessica says.
Her message: Act now. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Many estate planners in Wales charge an average of £200 to £280 per hour, which puts professional advice out of reach for many families. This is one of the main reasons people don’t seek help—until it’s too late. That’s why Later Living Helpline has contacted estate planners across the UK, and some have generously agreed to offer their time pro bono to help raise awareness and prevent more families from going through what Jessica did. If you’re over 60 and living in Wales, we strongly urge you to take advantage of this free estate planning advice while it’s available. It could protect your home—and your family’s future.