As we move into later life, our financial priorities often shift, and funding the potential cost of long term care is a common concern that is shared by many clients. This is not surprising, given the rapid increase in the cost of care over recent years. According to recent figures from Age UK, the average weekly cost for a place in a nursing home is £1,078, although there are substantial regional differences, and we have come across situations where clients are paying significantly higher fees than the average figure quoted.
Local authorities have a duty to arrange and pay for appropriate levels of care, following an assessment of the individual’s needs; however, this financial assistance is only available to those with less than £23,250 in capital, and this figure includes the value of all assets, including property.
Depending on the needs of the individual requiring care, an assessment could decide that NHS continuing healthcare is available, which could cover some or all of the cost; however, if the individual is not eligible for continuing healthcare, and they hold assets greater than £23,250, they will be expected to make a contribution towards care costs.
Self-funding care costs can be a daunting proposition, where decisions need to be reached at a time of stress and concern when an individual is being moved into care. At this point, family members, or their attorneys if acting under a Lasting Power of Attorney, may find independent financial planning advice to be of significant value, to help consider the options and agree an appropriate strategy to meet the ongoing care costs.
When we first meet clients who potentially have care needs, we undertake a full assessment of their capital assets. Quite often, we meet those who have investments and other assets that have not been professionally managed, and our analysis uncovers investments or pensions that could have been otherwise overlooked. Once we have assessed the capital position, we look at income sources (e.g. state pension, private pension, attendance allowance, investment or property income) to begin to work out the shortfall between the cost of care and other essential costs (such as personal care items and spending money) and their sources of income.
Once this assessment has been carried out, we can provide advice on the options for consideration. Depending on the level of shortfall, it might be the case that the care costs could be met through income alone, although this is not common and is typically reserved for those with significant personal pension or rental income. In most instances, the cost of care is likely to erode capital, with the rate of erosion dictated by the shortfall between income and expenditure. There is, therefore, a need to consider how best to meet the shortfall and preserve as much capital as possible.
One option that can bridge the gap between income and care costs is to purchase an immediate needs annuity plan. This is where capital is paid to a provider, who in turn will pay a monthly level of income that can be used to meet the shortfall between income and care fees. This income is usually tax-free and paid direct to the care provider.
Each plan is individually underwritten, with the single premium payable dependent on the age, health, life expectancy and care needs of the individual. In our experience, the premiums payable on such policies can be very expensive; however, despite this, some may value the certainty that a care fees annuity can bring.
A further factor to consider is that there is no return of capital to loved ones in the event of death of the individual in care, unless a capital protection element is purchased, at an additional cost.
Finally, the reality of how long an individual stays in care needs to be taken into account. Office for National Statistics analysis shows that for those aged 85 to 89 years in care, the average life expectancy is 3.6 years for women and 2.6 years for men. The purchase of a care fees annuity could, therefore, potentially only pay out for a limited period of time, leading to returns that offer poor value from a large capital outlay used to purchase the annuity.
In many cases, adopting a sensible approach to investment from capital raised either from the sale of the main residence or other assets, is the preferred option. We provide advice to clients (or their attorneys or deputies) to construct a bespoke investment plan, after considering the level of shortfall and precise composition of existing assets held.
Cash will naturally have a part to play in any sensible investment arrangement where care fees are payable. It is, however, important that cash funds remain productive, and held in a tax-efficient manner. We can assist clients in establishing an appropriate strategy and provide advice as to the right level of immediate cash to hold.
For sums not immediately required, there are other asset classes, such as Equities, Corporate and Government Bonds and alternative assets, that could be considered to try and achieve superior returns to those available on cash. Our experienced advisers can recommend an appropriate investment strategy, which often focuses on lower risk assets, and aims to stem the rate of erosion, so that the capital can fund care provision for an extended period, or leave additional capital to loved ones on death. The strategy is then regularly reviewed, so that it adapts to any change in circumstances.
Naturally, there are many factors that need to be considered in any investment strategy, including the time horizon for investment, the tolerance to investment risk accepted and income requirements. Tax-efficiency and ease of access to funds will also be important considerations. We can also arrange regular withdrawals from investments at an agreed level to ease the administrative burden by moving cash to cover ongoing care costs.
Investing funds for someone else under a Lasting Power of Attorney introduces an added layer of responsibility. An attorney is duty bound to act in the best interests of the donor, and unless the funds available for investment are limited or the attorney has sufficient skill and knowledge, attorneys should consider whether they need to obtain independent financial advice. This advice can provide valuable reassurance to attorneys who are tasked with the responsibility of handling the financial affairs of the donor, and also provide evidence that appropriate advice has been obtained.
When an individual goes into care, decisions taken to fund ongoing care costs require careful consideration, to make the most of funds available. Our experienced advisers can provide independent advice on the options from across the market place and build a bespoke plan of action. Speak to one of our team if you, or a loved one, needs specialist advice in this area.
