The Council Took Mum’s House – Daughter’s Warning After Dementia Care in Oldham Costs £214,500

Karen Lewis from Oldham says she had to sell her mother’s home to pay for care after being hit with a shocking £1,375-a-week bill when her mum was diagnosed with dementia.

Her mother, Brenda Lewis, 84, entered a care home in 2020. The total cost over the next three years? £214,500.

“We had no idea. We just assumed the NHS would cover it,” Karen said. “Instead, we were told we had to pay in full because Mum owned her home and had a small savings pot.”

Brenda’s modest two-bedroom semi in Oldham had to be sold.

It Was Her Life – And They Took It

Karen says her mum had lived in that house for nearly 50 years. It was her pride and joy.

“She always said she wanted to leave it to the grandkids. Instead, it was gone in a year and a half. Everything she worked for was used to keep her in a care home.”

The cost? £1,375 per week, every week, with no help from the council.

“They said because she had more than £23,000 in assets, she had to pay for everything herself. We were stunned.”

She Could Have Protected It

Karen says she found out — too late — that her mum could have legally protected the house years earlier with some simple estate planning.

“I’d protected my own home with the help of an estate planner, but Mum didn’t want to ‘mess about with legal stuff.’ She thought she’d never end up in care.”

Brenda had been in good health up until her early 80s. By 84, dementia took over — and the system took the rest.

What You Should Know

Dementia care in Oldham can cost over £1,300 per week
If you have over £23,250 in savings or property, you must pay for care yourself
Your home can be sold unless it’s protected through estate planning

Many people avoid speaking to estate planners because they charge between £200 and £280 per hour — but that’s exactly why Later Living Helpline has reached out to professionals across the UK, and many are now offering free appointments to help families understand their options.

If you’re over 60 and living in Oldham, take advantage of this free advice before it’s too late.