Watching elderly relatives struggle isn't easy, but help is at hand when it comes to care

EACH week, The Scotsman gives you a top ten guide to pertinent financial issues. Facing up to the fact that an independent elderly relative can no longer manage on their own is probably one of the hardest things we will ever have to do. Tony Rosenbaum, independent financial adviser at Integrity Financial Solutions in Dunfermline, offers his tips on helping a relative make a seamless transition into long-term care.

1 DON'T BE OVERLY RUSHED If a relative is in hospital pending discharge into a care environment, don't be rushed by the staff into moving them before you have put the necessary steps in place. It's true that once there is no longer a medical need for them to stay the staff are only doing their job asking them to leave, but there is also their entitlement to be discharged to a suitable environment.

2 EXPLORE ALL THE POSSIBILITIES Once you know they can no longer live independently, you need to adopt a level of pragmatism – not easy, I know. Would they be better off in a care home, where they will have the chance to meet other people and forge new friendships? Or would they be better staying in their own home with a live-in carer and still enjoy being part of their own community? Sadly, their medical condition may dictate the care situation.

3 MOVING INTO A CARE HOME Entering a care home can be the best solution for many people, and in fact about 100,000 people have to do this for the first time each year.

Draw up a shortlist of potential homes and, before you settle on a suitable place, take the time to visit each home on your shortlist, preferably unannounced and use a check-list such as this one as your guide – www.symponia.co.uk/chooseahome.php

4 CARE AT HOME Most people like living in their own homes. The familiar and comfortable surroundings provide the happiest environment and this does not change as we become older and/or we have a disability. Would your relative be happier in their own home? Is it possible for them to cope? Care at home can be divided into hourly care, where someone comes in at predetermined times to help out with rising, retiring, mealtimes and some personal care. Alternatively, a live-in carer could be hired, giving constant reassurance that they will have someone with them at all times.

5 LEGAL AUTHORITY TO ACT If you and/or other members of your family want to look after a relative's financial affairs and they are able to give their consent, the best and most effective way to do this is through a Continuing Power of Attorney. This is a legal process whereby the relative gives permission for one or more people to act and make decisions about their finances on their behalf.

6 SEEK SPECIALIST FINANCIAL ADVICE Someone with savings and other capital (which could include their house) over the maximum threshold – currently 22,500 – will be classed as a self-funding resident. Whatever the situation, they will have options and, to help you explore all of these, you should engage the services of a specialist adviser at the earliest opportunity. If you don't have one, Symponia, the national professional body, can introduce you to a member local to you. The emphasis of all Symponia member advisers is on respect and care, with the fundamental objective of enabling people to choose where they are cared for, with the peace of mind that they will be able to meet rising care costs indefinitely.

7 CLAIM ALL LOCAL AUTHORITY PAYMENTS Personal Care Allowance is currently awarded to anyone in a care environment (at home or in a care home) and is currently paid at 153 per week. Someone also needing nursing care should be entitled to receive 69 a week in Nursing Care Allowance. Both these payments are subject to an assessment, which needs to be arranged with your local authority social work department.

8 WHAT ABOUT PROPERTY?If the decision has been made to move a relative into a care home, it may be that selling the property to fund the associated care fees is the only option. While it is a time fraught with emotion and memories, the decision to sell is probably the right one.

But, at such a difficult time, whom do you trust to sell your property for you? Companies do exist that are dedicated to the needs of elderly homeowners moving into care. These specialist companies can provide a simple, tailored service to fit your needs exactly.

9 IS THERE A WILL IN PLACE? Having an up-to-date will is the only way a person can be sure that their estate is distributed in accordance with their wishes. If a will is not in place, or incorrectly drawn up, then the fairly strict rules of intestacy will apply to the estate.

These can be considered harsh and could be completely at odds with a person's real wishes. The need for care provides an ideal time to make sure that a will is still current.

10 HAS A FUNERAL BEEN PRE-PLANNED? Often known as the last taboo, but as death will happen to each and everyone of us, nothing is more certain.

Some people wish to plan their own funerals a long time in advance while they are still relatively healthy, while others find the thought just too macabre.