It is a difficult problem. We too went through this recently and also had to pay a set amount until the estate was used up (leaving about £20K). In our case she died before that could happen.
Now what the Govenrment seem to be doing is a double whammy. You still pay for care AND effectively inheritance tax (a very wrong tax) is increased.
As you point out both of these measures add up to funding the work shy and clobbering those that work hard, save and in many cases go without.
Unfortunatley though the old age population is growing (baby boomers piling in ) so it will get worse, and even I can't throw old people out on the street becasue they were feckless so I really dont know what the answer is, unless:
1) Stop sending money to foreigners in aid
2) Stop funding the EUSSR by Billions
3) Stop giving benefits to foreiners
4) Lock out borders and stop foreigners coming in just for benefits
5) Throw out the scum we dont want (Foreigners - of any skin colour beofre some right-on starts whining)