Stroke survivor’s plea for change after £60,000 care bill

The family have alerted DCC that George and Jean’s savings have decreased to about £20,000 and they have now been reassigned a social worker.

The Cookes’ daughter, Angela Besson, said she was hopeful this would lead to some financial support with George’s care.

“We were well looked after. Mum was doing a job. Dad was doing a job. They looked after their money. They worked for their retirement. For what? For nothing,” she said.

“I want people or the system to change, so that it’s not just my mum going through this.”

DCC’s cabinet member for adult care, councillor Joss Barnes, said: “People believe that social care is free for all, but this isn’t the case.

“Social care is not free and anyone receiving support is asked to contribute toward the cost.

“The contribution is means-tested and if you have more than £23,250 in savings, you have to pay the cost of your care – which is in line with national guidance and the same as other local authorities in the UK.

“We’re in touch with the family and we will be carrying out a further financial assessment to identify if he is eligible for funding from us,” she added.

Katy Pugh, Chief Executive of Age UK Derby and Derbyshire, said: “The cost of care, in every sense, can be crippling and feel overwhelming.

“The impact on Jean is financial but more importantly emotional and will affect her long-term health and wellbeing.

“We really regret the loss of advocacy services, funding for [support services] for conditions like strokes because they helped people like Jean and George before, during and after their care needs.

“Our information and advice service can check they are getting everything they are entitled to. Benefits like Attendance Allowance are not means-tested,” she added.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said it was not possible to comment on individual cases.

They said: “We recognise that needing care can place significant emotional and financial pressures on individuals and their loved ones.

“Anyone concerned about paying for care should contact their local authority, which can provide advice on the support available and whether they may be eligible for assistance with care costs.

“As the Prime Minister and Secretary of State have made clear, this government wants to see rapid progress on adult social care reform, and Baroness Casey’s Commission is considering important questions including how care should be funded in a fair and sustainable way.”