Don't see it as punishment but as a Life-style choice? Those who are privalidged to have invested in property etc. can spend the proceeds as they wish. I don't think anyone knows the various standards of 'care' across the UK! until push comes to shove. Even in the various 'care' homes that Dad was in 15 years ago there was huge variations: some were obviously run on a business basis with little 'care' involved, another the Staff were lovely: caring, kind, always had time for clients and visitors, always offered a cuppa - this particular place was privately owned, quite run down, in comparison to the business-led establishment which was part of a huge 'chain'.
If a person is in NHS care following surgery etc., the Pension is taken for B&B, after all, they won't be spending it at home. There are too many variations of care in the UK, I would like to see ALL properties/companies providing Full Nursing Care at all times. People go into 'care' for various reasons and some are quite mobile at the time, deteriorating as they age. At which time they may be moved from one place to another that provides nurses. WRONG in my opinion, after all they are probably settled where they are.
It can also be that couples are separated as they have different care requirements
It depends on whether a person wants to share a room with a walk to/from a shared bathroom or whether a person wants peace and quiet, their own things around them with an en-suite. Think of the choice as a Hotel situation rather than a 'care' home, what would you prefer? If the latter is preferred, then it has to be funded somehow and why not by someone who can afford it? The way that situation can be avoided is for establishments to be Council funded separately with no clients paying their way. Where Dad was, Council funded clients were down-stairs and those that were self funded upstairs which wasn't always appropriate - had a fire broken out ……….