Elderly Care

In short, for most people it won't be. You may be able to get some care costs partially funded if you fulfil a set of needs-tested requirements. You can find out more about local authority funding here, or about some of the benefits you might be able to receive here.

If you care for someone for more that 35 hours per week you may be eligible for something called a Carer's Allowance. It is a means-tested benefit which means you have to fulfil a specific set of requirements in order to receive it. 

How much 24 hour care, or live-in care, costs depends on many factors including: the type of care needed, the experience of the carer, the location, and expenses. On average live-in care costs are comparable to that of a care home. However, live-in care allows your elderly relative to live in their home for longer and to receive one-to-one, personalised care 24 hours a day.

In short, no. Unless you have a Power of Attorney you have no legal responsibility for your parents. If there does come a time where they are medically and legally determined not to have mental capacity, you (if you have a Power of Attorney) or someone else will be responsible for them, their finances and most importantly, their wellbeing.