Taking Estate Planning Advice in Later Life
Anyone in later life might encounter issues or vulnerabilities. Therefore, you may be subject to detriment if you don’t engage with an estate planning adviser who doesn’t use the appropriate level of care according to your own individual circumstances and conditions.
Issues in later life can manifest in physical and/or mental vulnerabilities, can be temporary or permanent, short or long term and these issues can of course fluctuate over time. These issues may arise as a result of an emotional or financial shock or perhaps a bereavement or maybe just as part of the natural aging process. As one of my friends said to me recently at the FAB Café in Henleaze; “don’t get old!”.
Vulnerable Circumstances in Later Life
We specialise in advising clients and their families in later life. It’s what we do, what we live for and where our specialism lays. As you might therefore imagine, there is an almost endless list of vulnerable circumstances which we have experience of and have successfully managed.
These include communication difficulties, limited IT skills, physical difficulties, long-term illnesses, dementia, loss of memory, recent bereavements, natural issues around aging, sudden changes in personal circumstances, being in and out of care or hospital.
Our advisers, and in fact the team as a whole, have a wealth of experience in helping clients in such circumstances. We are kind, accommodating and empathetic to everyone’s needs. It’s one of our core attributes that sets us apart and has won us national awards and acclaim, a remarkable achievement for a small, local family firm.
Supporting Our Later Life Clients
We are aware of all issues that those in later life might start encountering and have built our internal processes to manage such issues.
We assist our clients in any way we can. For example, adjusting our communication to suit your preferences. If you prefer not to be contacted in the mornings or have better times during the day to speak due to medication, we’ll make sure we follow your lead. If multiple meetings are required, or shorter or longer meetings are needed, we will of course cater for this.
When you come into our living room style relaxed office, or at home if this is your preference, we will engage in light conversation. We will ask you open empathetic questions and will be sensitive in our approach to any issues you might be having. We will always be patient with you, never rushing you.
We will provide support for the family or carers, including them where appropriate. However, we will always remember you are ultimately the client, and we will always protect your best interests.
We will of course use our specialist technical knowledge to advise you on the most appropriate course of action.
Local Estate Planning Events
To help people understand these issues more clearly, we will be running a series of free Estate Planning seminars locally this June and July. These sessions will explore key elements such as Wills, LPAs and Trusts and explain how they work alongside your financial planning arrangements like inheritance tax, investment management and care fee planning.
Tuesday 23rd June - 2.30pm - 3.30pm - St Peter’s Church, Henleaze
Wednesday 24th June - 10am - 11am - Thornbury URC
Tuesday 30th June - 6pm - 7pm - Stoke Lodge, Stoke Bishop
Wednesday 1st July - 2.30pm - 3.30pm - St Peter’s church, Henleaze
Tuesday 7th July - 10am - 11am - Henleaze Bowling Club
Call 0117 3636 212 or email community@haroldstephens.co.uk to book your place.