Thanks, Janice. There are several options for the elderly unwell - the best of which is usually being looked after by their family (although our 'caring' government has increased the cost of adding a 'granny extension' - but in our increasingly dispersed society this is becoming much more rare. In addition to public and private care homes, there is of course, apart from sheltered homes, the option of a retirement home for the elderly well. So, lots of alternatives, but some, like buying a property in a retirement home, need to be looked at carefully as the caveats sometimes make them very poor value. I read that the amount of equity release people are taking out has accelerated hugely, and imagine this will continue. And those near to retirement might want to try to cash in their pensions now, although it's not a great time as many pensions have dropped a lot in value over the last two or three months and annuity rates are dire. We all have to make our own decisions about the best financial routes to follow now and in the future, and it's anyone's best guess at the moment for the healthy which to pursue. But sadly, those who are in dire straits because of health issues, don't have the financial choices that others have.
Claire Moran ● 2376d