Looking After the Elderly

When an elderly loved one is no longer properly able to care for themselves, there are various solutions open to them. It can be a minefield finding out what the options are and the implications.

Staying in your own home

If you or an elderly relative want to stay in your own home, we can help you find third party organisations which can provide support to enable this to be arranged, such as independent social workers, case managers and occupational therapist. We will also direct carers towards support groups in necessary. We can advise when NHS funding is applicable.

Moving into a care home

If your elderly relative is going into a care home, we can provide advice on the issues to be considered. Often Social Services will carry out an assessment of the home but where social services cannot assist, or if there is a waiting list, then other options have to be considered.

We can explain the many factors you need to take into consideration when faced with helping a loved one move into a care home. Sometimes this involves the expertise of other third party organisations to ensure, for example, that a care home has the necessary equipment to suit your relative’s needs.

Throughout this process, we will assess the respective roles of social services and local authorities and advise you on what you can expect from them. We will advise you on care home funding. We can advise you on the legal and financial implications of any contract you are asked to sign with the care home.  

What happens to your home?

We will advise you on who to notify when an elderly client moves out of their home. If the home is left empty, we will advise you on the measures to be taken to protect the property and whether you can apply for a reduction in the bills.

What if the elderly person no longer has metal capacity?

If there is no Lasting Power of Attorney we will advise on the procedure for putting a Deputyship in place so that their assets are managed on their behalf and in their best interest. There is more information about this on our Court of Protection page. 

Why Dawson Cornwell?

Our combined experience in preparing Powers of Attorney and in the field of Court of Protection enable us to provide practical, sensible advice on the options available and the legal implications. Jeremy Abraham is our Court of Protection Panel Deputy and Deena Iqbal holds an Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients.

Often, a one off meeting at a fixed fee is enough for us to point you in the right direction. Other clients ask us to help them on an ongoing basis.