My parents didn’t plan for old age now I’m lumbered caring for my dad

I’M trapped at home caring for my father because my parents lived the high-life and didn’t plan for their old age.

Mum died ten years ago. She was 67 and had a heart attack.

They hadn’t even discussed what they wanted for their funeral.

They spent the early part of their retirement going on cruises and buying new cars.

My Dad is 81 and has had a stroke. I’m a single man of 47 and was renting a place until Dad got sick, so I had to move in with him and look after him.

Dad put his house in my name eight years ago. His health is worsening and I’m just not coping.

He needs 24/7 care.

I’m now dealing with his personal care which is distressing for us both. He’d be better off in a nursing home.

When can I put him in a home without paying anything for his care?

DEIDRE SAYS:  Your father’s needs should come above anything else.

The local authority can assess the situation if your father isn’t able to pay for his care in a private home.

But if your father was in poor health when he put the house into your name, this could be seen as a deliberate deprivation of assets, so it may not be cut and dried that your parents’ property is now yours.

Age UK (ageuk.org.uk, 0800 678 1602) has fact-sheets available and can also advise you on other benefits you can claim to help with his care.