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Care from the NHS is free, but if you need social care because you're physically or mentally frail, you have to pay for it yourself. And it is not cheap. The latest figures show a place in a residential care home in the UK costs, on average, more than £30,000 a year. A nursing home costs more than £40,000 a year. In the South East, it is £10,000 a year more than that, according to consultants LaingBuisson. There is financial help from local authorities, but it is strictly means-tested. You only qualify if your home, savings and investments are together worth less than £23,250. If you are worth more than that, you have to pay the full cost of your care - during your lifetime and, if necessary, from your estate after you have died. It may not leave much for your family to inherit. Which ... Read more