Social Care News

Changes on residential care charges let residents keep more of their money

Changes allowing people to keep more of their savings when they move into residential care come into effect today (April 10, 2017).

The limit will move from £25,000 to £30,000 as part of a Welsh Government plan to raise it in phases to £50,000.

Social Services Minister for the Welsh Government, Rebecca Evans, launched the changes at the College Fields Nursing Home in Barry (pictured).

She said: "Older people who have worked hard and paid in all their lives deserve a fairer deal. That is why, over the course of this Assembly, we will double the amount of money that older people can keep when in care. 

“I am pleased that from today people are able to keep £30,000 without this being used to pay for care, and this will rise to £50,000 in the coming years.”

Local authorities are responsible for funding a person’s care if their capital is less than £30,000, only charging a contribution based on a person’s available income.

Anybody who thinks they, or a family member, could benefit from the new arrangements, should contact their local authority.

The Minister added: "This is a really exciting time for social care in Wales. We are starting to see the full impact of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act take effect, with people across Wales really being put at the heart of their care.

“This Government has prioritised social services as a sector of national strategic importance. In recognition of this, we have announced an extra £55 million for social services in 2017-18.”