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France protects couples from selling homes for nursing care costs

A spouse's move to a nursing home doesn't mean losing the family house. Discover how France's safeguards ease the financial burden—without sacrificing property.

The image shows a paper with the text "Administration Generale des Postes Avis" written on it,...
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France protects couples from selling homes for nursing care costs

In France, couples facing nursing home costs for one spouse have protections in place to avoid selling their home. Financial support options exist to ease the burden, even when funds are limited. These rules aim to prevent forced property sales while ensuring care remains accessible.

When a spouse moves into a nursing home, the other is not required to sell their shared home to cover the costs. The value of the main residence is excluded from calculations for financial aid. This safeguard helps couples retain their property while managing care expenses.

The Allocation Personnalisée d'Autonomie (APA) benefit assists with the 'dependency' portion of nursing home fees. Eligibility depends on the couple's income, but the home's value does not affect the assessment. Public nursing homes generally cost less than private ones, offering a more affordable option. For those on lower incomes, additional support is available. The Aide Sociale à l'Hébergement (ASH) can help pay accommodation fees, though this may need repayment from the estate later. Renting or selling the home remains optional, and families can still apply for benefits without taking this step.

These measures ensure that couples do not face immediate financial strain when one partner requires nursing home care. The protections allow them to keep their home while accessing necessary support. Financial aid remains available regardless of property ownership, providing a safety net for those in need.

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