For some reason our LA did a Financial Assessment even though we were self funding-but yes, it was kept open. We received a statement every year. I asked for an assessment because the SW didn't seem to know what was exempt
Pete had some Bonds which were excluded from the available fund total-SW sad they weren't! The 'downside' they then knew what we had to spend! However, it's really difficult to 'hide' any money as they can go back as many years as they want. I suspect that as I was being 'upfront', and as Pete was 'self funding' they only asked for a year's worth of bank statements.
I was told 'anything for the benefit of the person with Dementia' was ok. In other words if a wet room is installed (legitimate expense) fine. If it's up a winding set of stairs and the DS can't walk up them -no!
Pete paid for all of his daycare but non residential care was assessed separately. He was only self funding for 6 months then received CHC. He was about to be at the mercy of the LA anyway! I have to stress that all LA's have a different set of rules.
It maybe that your Parents LA would allow your Mum to pay for all of the things needed to keep her at home-not just half. I wish all LA's had the same rules.
Love
Lyn T