In both instances the resident will be expected to pay for the service. There are several schemes for paying for the care. When a resident cannot afford to pay the full charge , an assessment is made of ability to pay in accordance with regulations. An assessment of income and capital will be made. Usually the resident is in receipt of a state pension and in some cases other DSS benefits such as income support.
Many people also have private pensions.
The present capital threshold is 16,000.00 but this may change from time to time. The assessment is reviewed annually but in fact may be reviewed from time to time at the request of the resident. It is a fact that spouses are liable to maintain one another and action can be taken against a liable relative in some cases. The value of the residents home is disregarded if the resident is only in a temporary stay or if it is occupied by a partner or a relative over 60 or a child under 16. In all other cases the matter is at the discretion of the local authority.