Social Workers are still up to their old tricks.

Deliberate deprivation of capital does undoubtedly happen - I remember very clearly a couple who lived in a castle, no less, with a huntin', shootin' and fishin' lfestyle and a string of horses. After I explained the financial rules for care at home to them I paid a second visit to fill in the paperwork and - would you believe? - they had not a penny to their names. I did venture to ask how they paid their Tesco bill!

They left the area eventually and they rang me up to say "I bet you are glad to be rid of us!!"

I felt that it was a matter between them and their consciences - there was nothing I could do. But it did stick in the throat when I saw familes truly in need of help struggling.

Hi Mishap

You may have been annoyed if my father had gone in to care as I inherited a half share of my parents £500,000 house and my father only had about £12,000 in cash at the end of his life.
He had spent his money on things like cars, holidays and private health.
As you know Social Services could not get any of the house as I was an occupier.

Frank

I know - that's the problem with all these rules - there is always a way round for those who want it and that means others pay more or have less good services. When I worked in CAB I did get one or two awful cases of deliberate deprivation led by grown-up children - in one case, a son had persuaded his mother to sell up, put the money into his and his wife's new home (without her name on the deeds) and by the time she came into us for advice, they were making her life a living hell to get her out into a home ( and, of course, not offering to pay anything as all the money was tied up in 'their' house) Another case involved a messy divorce of a son and DIL with the mother unprotected. I know I only saw the awful cases which involved the parent giving up all their home but it did happen. I just can't see a way to make any of this fair because if you decide to use the income tax or inheritance tax system, then there are people who get round that as well.

Perhaps we could re-name this thread to better describe exactly who is getting up to their old tricks?

Hi Bluebell

Unfortunately when I married my late wife I did not forsee her passing away before my father.
I got early retirement in London over 8 years ago and did not want to stay there.
Dad was living in a big house on his own and I had inherited Mum's half and knew I had the right to live there.
Dad and I discussed the situation and we decided that it was best that I went to live with him as we did not want the expense and work of 2 houses.
As it happened I did some caring for Dad and I was having to do more and more but hapily it never got to a point when he had to go in to care.
When I moved in we did not even consider the possibility he might have to go in to care.

If he had gone in to care and the house had to be sold and the proceeds divided it would have been unfair on me as I had paid for the house to be rewired, a new bathroom, kitchen, porch, decorating, new beds, utility room, roof repairs, new 3 piece suite, and fitted wardrobes from the proceeds of the sale of my house.
I also paid his private insurance and for cars.
All this happened in 8 years.
I do think in the cases I have previously mentioned if the parent had not had their retired son / daughter living in the same house the parent would have been in care a lot earlier.

Frank

Oh fear janeainsworth - the along with my comment was meant to indicate heavy sarcasm.
I have been out for the rest of the day and am surprised anybody took me literally!

Oh dear is of course what I meant!

I have just been to a theatre and recognised 2 social workers there.
Surely responsble people like them should not spend money on theatre visits in case it is needed for their care.

Frank

Well gracesmum the along with my comment was supposed to indicate irony/sarcasm too!

Frank - you really are a wind-up merchant, coming out with nonsense like that

I'm shocked that you saw social workers in a theatre Frank! I think you should report them. Why aren't they out in the community doing good? Or snatching children or something useful

Your last comment has encouraged me to see you in a new light Frank - perhaps you aren't quite what you seem! What as the play by the way ?

Hi Bluebell

The play was Sing Along Greece. Several of the ladies were dressed in Pink Ladies Jackets including the Social Workers ( more expense as they must have purchased or hired the jackets).
I also noticed they drove away in a 12 registration BMW after which is a lot more expensive car than mine.
I do have to admit I have owned equivalent cars in the past but do not see the point now as I am generally in the car on my own.

Frank

Hi nightowl

The Social Workers were one's which dealt with elderly adults and probably they should have been out trying to snatch houses which are owned by the relatives of the Service Users.
I know Elderly Adults is a different section.

Frank

I am amazed a how small the social circle in Birmingham seems to be.

Hi absent

I saw the Social Workers at the theatre. I was not with them.
I don't think they would want me with them as I have spoilt theit plot to get 2 houses.

Frank

'Sing Along Greece' I must have missed that one.

It was on in Lichfield.
I noticed there were 3 hen parties there and the majority of the audience were women.
I thought it was a good fun night out.

Frank

Sing Along Grease!

Well Frank, a lovely start to Sunday morning - thank you!

Is there a technical term for a fear of social workers?

Now I'm certain your life's mission is to wind us up, Frank! How have you given yourself permission to make judgements about what any person spends their earned income on, or how they use their leisure time?

Don't answer if it means more anecdotes about inherited property or someone else you happen to know about #whydoIbother

Well whenim64

I am off to spend some money today on myself and my granddaughters. I think it could be as much as £100.

Probably Social Workers may say I should keep this money in case I need care.

A small amount of my pension comes from Birmingham City Council so I will probably use that money but the larger part comes from a bank pension fund.

Frank

Timor socialis operantur.

Probably incurable, but Galen would know.