It gives your family breathing space, though not a deadline to clear by. When someone moves permanently into a care home arranged by their council, the value of their home isn’t counted for the first 12 weeks. That time is meant for deciding what to do about the property, such as selling, renting it out or a deferred payment agreement. Clearing the home is often part of that, and a storage unit lets you do it without rushing the decisions about belongings.
What the disregard is
Councils in England describe it in similar terms. Kingston Council, for example, says that when you’re permanently moving into a care home that it organises and pays for, “we don’t count the value of your property for the first 12 weeks”, to give you time to consider your options for funding your care. During those weeks, your parent still pays towards their care from their income and other savings.
The rules have exceptions. The home may not be counted at all if a husband, wife or partner still lives there, or certain relatives, such as one aged 60 or over. Your parent’s council will explain what applies to them, and a solicitor or independent financial adviser can help with the bigger decisions.
Why belongings often need to move
Whether the house is sold or let, it usually needs clearing, and that’s the part families find hardest. Furniture, photographs and a lifetime of possessions can’t all be decided on in a few weekends, especially while your parent is settling in.
A short-term storage unit separates the two jobs. The house can be cleared on the timetable the property decision needs, while the belongings wait somewhere safe until the family is ready to decide together.
How storage with us works
- You can rent the unit in your own name, or as your parent’s registered attorney if you hold a lasting power of attorney for their property and financial affairs.
- The minimum stay is just two weeks, and after that it carries on until you give notice, normally 14 days, with any unused days refunded.
- Your parent’s things sit in their own alarmed unit, and you can visit from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, and share access with brothers and sisters.
This is a big change for everyone, and we’re happy to talk it through. Call us on 0800 2545585, or get a price online.
Related questions
- How can storage help when a parent with dementia moves home?
- What should I keep in storage when clearing a parent’s home?
- Can someone else sign the storage agreement for me?
This page explains the 12-week property disregard in general terms for England. It isn’t financial or legal advice.
Further reading
- Kingston Council: 12-week property disregard for homeowners