The Cost of Care if You Don’s Own Your Home

Abstract

This chapter addresses the complex set of issues when a person does not own their home. It has been acknowledged and debated for a long time that the social care funding system is not fit for purpose, and in its current form is untenable both monetarily and politically. The focus of the funding debate continues to be on those individuals who do own their own home and how they make a valuable contribution to maintaining the current system. There is consideration that this system is unfair on individuals who are deemed to have provided for their future, but little consideration of the implications for individuals who, whether through choice or circumstance, have no assets to use towards the cost of their care. Despite one in four people over the age of 75 not owning their own home, they have been largely ignored as part of the deliberations. Disappointingly, the interpretation of what is fair seems based on what can be contributed in financial terms. Unfairness should also be measured morally and ethically: people who do not own their own home also face an unfair system, one of limited choice and delayed access to care.