Sally’s parents self-funded care from age 93. Sally’s mother was living with dementia and her father, who was in his nineties, was her main carer. They paid for some care at home but then decided to find a care home for her mother. Later, her father went to live in the same care home.

After Mark’s mother died, his father came to live near him in a supported living flat. Following a fall and a spell in hospital, Mark’s father was not able to return home and the family found a private care home they liked.

Nadra’s father self-funded care from age 90. Nadra and her brother have helped their mother and father to manage care. When Nadra’s father had a heart attack the hospital discharge team arranged for some reablement care for him at home for 10 weeks. Since then he has self-funded his care.

Sinclair and and his wife Audrey self-funded care from age 92. When Audrey started to show signs of dementia, the couple began to look at retirement accommodation. After a spell in hospital, Audrey was discharged to residential care. Audrey and Sinclair then moved together to a home that could offer dementia care.

Jennifer self-funded care from age 65. Jennifer and her husband purchased a property in a retirement village that could offer ongoing nursing and specialist dementia care. Jennifer feels secure and has the freedom to live life as she chooses. She can arrange extra care as and when she needs.

Rosemary cared for her husband at home for a number of years before making the difficult decision that it was time for him to move to residential care. Rosemary shares insights into what constitutes good care and what to look for when selecting a care home.

Peter’s wife self-funded care from age 77. Peter’s wife was diagnosed with dementia at 71 and they moved to a smaller house which was purpose-built for her needs. They paid for adaptations and equipment for the house as well as daily care as she gradually needed more help and support.

Gary, Jackie’s husband, self-funded care from age 66. Gary retired at age 56 after a series of strokes caused by a rare syndrome. He received disability allowance which has now changed to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). As Jackie receives her state pension, she is not entitled to Carer’s Allowance.

Gordon’s wife self-funded care from age 79. Over the past 10 years, Gordon has been managing his wife’s care needs. He has occasional help from a carer who has experience of working with people with dementia but, in the main, pays for help with the household while carrying out personal care himself.

Dan Harbour is managing director of Beacon CHC, a social enterprise providing free advice, expert information and affordable casework for families navigating the continuing healthcare system.