tricky question, I'm not sure how many people do have to sell their house, normally a charge is put on it, but obviously if its empty sooner or later it will have to be sold.
and if they didn't have a partner then why would they need a house if they are in a care home, i doubt many would ever go back home.
i think its unfair if there is a partner still living there
and if they dont sell their house, who will pay the £500wk+ fees