It all seemed so simple. I wanted to give my dad a home with us until he died. He was alone and unable to cope with his Parkinson's and depression.

At the time, I could not foresee any problems but now I am in the middle of a nightmare from which I cannot wake up.

When Dad came to me, his sheltered accommodation flat was sold and he told his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that as he had everything he would ever want with me, they could have the money from the sale.

In September, Dad was taken to hospital with a lung infection and was there about two months.

During his stay, he lost the use of both legs and became incontinent.

At the end of October, the hospital wanted to discharge him. It said the longer he stayed, the more chance there was of him getting another infection.

The hospital social worker told me he was too unwell to come home, as I would be unable to give him the care he needed.

Against my wishes, dad went into a nursing home and, then for nearly nine months, Brighton and Hove City Council made my life unbearable by sending me invoices which now amount to about £10,000.

It wants to be paid the money he gave to his grandchildren and says he gave away his money to avoid paying for his nursing care.

My dad cannot use his hands and is very deaf so he gave me power of attorney and now the council wants to put a charge on my home.

This nearly put me over the edge. I had to stop this debt getting any larger - it went up by £300 per week - so I have brought Dad home.

He can manage a few steps with a frame but he is very confused and has developed diabetes and has a catheter in place. He falls over night and day and his ten-stone deadweight is killing my husband and I. If we get two or three hours' sleep, it's a bonus.

The council has advised me to get legal advice and, thanks to Help The Aged, I have found a solicitor.

But, although I have no money and receive benefits, I cannot get Legal Aid. The reason is, because of the boom in the property market, I have too much equity in my home.

It would appear the moral of this story is do not work hard, do not save and do not buy a sheltered flat, as they will take it all away in the end.

For the best care in this country live in rented accommodation. Then you will be looked after as you will have nothing for them to take.

Thelma Williams

-Graham Avenue, Portslade