We Thought Our Home Was Safe – Until Dad Needed Care

My dad worked every day of his life from the age of 16. He paid his taxes, bought a modest home, raised three children, and always believed that “your home is your castle.”

What none of us realised—until it was too late—was that everything he had worked so hard for could be taken from him. And it was.

It Started With a Fall

Dad had a fall at 82. Nothing major, but it was enough to shake his confidence. Within a few months, he was struggling to manage on his own. We tried everything—daily visits, meals dropped off, even a cleaner. But eventually, the council assessed him and said he needed full-time care.

We assumed the NHS would help. They didn’t.

The Shock: “Your Dad Will Have to Pay”

We were told Dad didn’t qualify for NHS continuing healthcare, and since he owned his home, he would have to pay for his care. We didn’t realise that in the UK, owning your home means you may have to sell it to pay for care.

There was no trust in place. No estate planning. No will.

So the local authority placed a charge on the house.

A Lifetime of Work, Gone

We tried to fight it. We asked about help, but it was too late. Dad’s house—our family home—had to be sold to cover care home costs. Over £85,000 vanished in less than two years.

It wasn’t just money. It was his dignity, his independence, and our inheritance.

What We Learned Too Late

What hurts the most is that it didn’t have to be this way. If we’d had advice earlier, we could have protected part—or even all—of his home.

We learned that things like Tenants in Common, protective trusts, and Lasting Power of Attorney can make all the difference. But you need to plan before someone needs care.

Could This Happen to Your Family?

Sadly, yes. Every year, thousands of families lose their homes to care fees. Most don’t even realise it’s a risk until they’re in crisis.

But you don’t have to go through what we did.

Free Estate Planning Advice for Homeowners

If you’re over 60 and own a home, it’s worth taking an hour to understand your options. We’ve spoken to estate planners who are offering free, no-obligation advice calls to help people learn how to protect their estate from care costs and probate delays.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. One conversation now could save your family from the heartbreak we went through.