Long-term care: why the system is close to breaking point Q. Sounds like these people think the system is working very badly. How do people finance care at present? A. Many families end up paying for care at present, as those with assets of more than £23,250 will not get help towards care costs. Those with savings of under £13,000 get free care. Between £13,000 and £23,250 individuals have to contribute to the costs. In most cases, this figure will include the family home. But there are circumstances in which it is disregarded - the most important being if a spouse, partner or relative aged 60 or over is living there. Likewise, the home should not be included if care needs are "temporary." These rules apply to those living in England. In Scotland, the threshold is broadly similar, although people also get a contribution towards personal care. Wales and Northern Ireland currently have a similar system to the rest of the UK, although both are likely to meet personal care costs in the future. Q. How do I go about sorting out care costs under the current system? A. Start with a health assessment. Anyone needing care, whether in a nursing home or in their own home, needs to have their needs assessed by their local authority. This needs to be done before any financial assessment is made. Once you have the result of the assessment, the local authority will give you a maximum figure they will pay per week towards the care needed. This figure is based on medical needs. Each council sets its own threshold for how incapacitated you must be to be eligible for help. At this point you need a financial assessment to see if the person has to contribute. If health needs are particularly acute you may qualify for NHS continuing care. This means all care costs - including residential care costs - will be met by the NHS, rather than the local authority. Families can ask to be reassessed for NHS continuing care if their relative's health deteriorates. Q. What is happening now with regard to changing the rules? Does the Government have to adopt the new proposals? Many fear that the £35,000 cap proposed by Dilnot will not happen, because it is too expensive. Health secretary Andrew Lansley, Lib Dem health minister Paul Burstow and shadow health secretary Andy Burnham are expected to hold the first in a series of meetings within the next few weeks. Ministers say that plans to reform social care will be put forward in the spring.