Veteran is forced to sell dream home to pay for his own dementia care

My father, Fred, was a World War II veteran who later served in the police force. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2016.

By May 2018, his condition had deteriorated significantly and he had to move into a dementia care home. All of his police and state pension was spent on his £1,200 per week fees, but it still wasn’t enough. And last week we finally sold the beloved thatched cottage that he renovated in 1974 and once served as our family home, for £373,000.

So far, we’ve had to pay £120,000 — and at the age of 92, he’s physically fit despite the dementia and there’s every chance he’ll continue living for a few more years.

As well as the care home costs, we also have to pay for toiletries, trips out, haircuts, dentist visits and chiropodist’s appointments.

Who knows how much more of his money will have to be spent on his care?

My father was prudent saver but now it feels like he is being penalised for it.

If the State can fund those with less than £23,250, why does my father have to pay extra to cover their costs?

Have the politicians thought about the distress this will cause a man in his 90s, who will potentially have deteriorated further?

He spent his life in public service. But when he needed it most, he was deserted.