Planning for Care: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning for future care needs is one of the most important conversations families can have. Starting early gives you more options and helps ensure your wishes are respected.

Step 1: Start the Conversation

When to Begin

Don't wait for a crisis. The best time to discuss care planning is:

• When everyone is healthy and able to participate
• Before any cognitive decline begins
• Ideally in your 60s or early 70s

Who Should Be Involved

• The person who may need care
• Immediate family members
• Close friends who might be involved
• Professional advisors (solicitor, financial advisor)

Step 2: Assess Current and Future Needs

Health Assessment

Consider current health conditions and how they might progress:

• Chronic conditions that may worsen
• Family history of illness
• Mobility challenges
• Cognitive health concerns

Lifestyle Preferences

Discuss preferences for:

• Staying at home vs. moving to care
• Geographic preferences
• Important activities and relationships
• Daily routine preferences

Step 3: Explore Care Options

Home Care

Advantages:

• Familiar environment
• Often less expensive initially
• Maintains independence longer

Considerations:

• May become inadequate as needs increase
• Can be isolating
• Requires coordination of multiple services

Care Homes

Advantages:

• 24/7 support available
• Social interaction with others
• All services in one location

Considerations:

• Higher cost
• Less privacy and independence
• May be far from family

Supported Living

Advantages:

• Balance of independence and support
• Often includes emergency help systems
• Community of peers

Considerations:

• Limited care available
• May need to move again as needs increase

Step 4: Financial Planning

Calculate Potential Costs

Use tools like our Care Calculator to estimate:

• Weekly care home fees
• Home care hourly rates
• Additional services and equipment

Review Assets and Income

• Property value
• Savings and investments
• Pension income
• Insurance policies

Explore Funding Options

• Local authority support
• NHS Continuing Healthcare
• Insurance products
• Family contributions

Step 5: Legal Considerations

Power of Attorney

Set up both:

• Financial Power of Attorney - For managing money and property
• Health and Care Power of Attorney - For health and care decisions

Will and Estate Planning

• Update your will
• Consider inheritance tax implications
• Plan for property and asset distribution

Advanced Directives

Document preferences for:

• Medical treatment
• End-of-life care
• Specific wishes about care settings

Step 6: Create Documentation

Care Preferences Document

Write down:

• Preferred type of care
• Important personal routines
• Religious or cultural requirements
• Dietary preferences and restrictions

Emergency Contact Information

Maintain up-to-date lists of:

• Family contacts
• Medical professionals
• Legal and financial advisors
• Current medications and conditions

Financial Information

Keep organized records of:

• Bank accounts and investments
• Property deeds and valuations
• Insurance policies
• Pension and benefit information

Step 7: Review and Update Regularly

Annual Reviews

Meet as a family to discuss:

• Changes in health or preferences
• Updates to financial situation
• New care options available
• Changes in family circumstances

Trigger Events

Reassess plans after:

• Significant health changes
• Death of a spouse or partner
• Major financial changes
• Family relocations

Making It Easier

Professional Help

Consider consulting:

• Elder law solicitors
• Independent financial advisors
• Care coordinators
• Local authority social services

Family Meetings

Structure discussions by:

• Setting regular meeting times
• Creating agenda items
• Documenting decisions
• Respecting different viewpoints

Resources and Support

Utilize available resources:

• Age UK and other charities
• Local authority information services
• NHS resources
• Online calculators and tools

Planning for care is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Starting early and involving the right people helps ensure that when care is needed, the transition is as smooth as possible for everyone involved.