Thanks. I will make sure the savings in his name are lower than 14k and set up my own bank account. Just so everything is simple if/when the time comes.
I'm in the process of trying to untangle our accounts at the moment. We have 2 current accounts with the same bank (originally to maximise interest income), both in joint names.
I called their powder of attorney team for advice on how I could register my wife's LPA with them and convert one of the accounts to sole only (me).
It's been a bit of a mission, as the bank require both account holders to sign, before they'll make it a sole a/c. I explained that my wife can no longer write or communicate clearly.
They also don't normally register a "deputy" on a joint account, where the person is already on the account (you wouldn't normally need to as you have access anyway). However, they have agreed to register the LPA (which will apply to all of her accounts) then once done, I have to go to the branch. Then they will sort out removing my wife from one of the accounts (on seeing various bits of documentation).
I have already moved the various d/d's and income sources (state and private pensions) to try and make it more transparent for my wife's income, expenses etc.
I have always been quite fastidious about keeping track of finances, so armed with loads of past info, I've been able to put together a simple spreadsheet listing all the things we've spent associated with her care. Was quite an eye-opener, as I was shocked how much we'd spent on pull-ups etc, in the 18 months before I found out that the district nurse team could supply them!
Although she would be self funding at the moment for any care needed (respite, day care of eventually CH), her funds wouldn't last long. So I feel fairly confident that I have done enough to help with any future assessments (famous last words).
As if caring isn't hard enough?!
Phil