Whether or not a person gives away their properties and possessions immediately before they go into care - a deprivation of assets - has an impact on what fees they will be charged.

Thus for someone with dementia it is important that they give up "assets" some distance before they actually go into care.

According to legal experts, if the person in question gives away money or a house within six months, the local authority is eligible to claim back the value from the present owner when charging fees for residential care.

Even if it was handed over six months ago the authority still retains some power to count the total in the person's capital when they assess how they can pay.

This is crucial for those determining what to do when scrutinising care information, as they may still be liable to pay even if they have since given away money and assets.