There is no rehearsal for the time when a family member needs long term care. Sometimes this is just on domiciliary basis but, if the person needs more than just basic help, these needs cannot be met without residential or nursing care. It is at this point that any hopes that person may have held of leaving an inheritance for their loved ones disappears when faced with prospect of having to sell their home to meet average yearly bills of over thirty thousand pounds to pay for their care.

Long term care often arises because elderly people can no longer manage a number of daily living activities without help and it is envisaged this will occur for their lifetime. It comprises of support with daily living activities like washing, dressing or walking and can be provided in the person’s house, in a residential home or nursing home.