At Harold Stephens we provide a specialist later life financial planning service and part of what sets us apart is our award-winning adaptation of our services to suit different circumstances people may be experiencing.
One example of this includes how we are able to alter our service for people living with specific conditions such as Parkinson’s (and their families and carers).
For those living specifically with Parkinson’s and their families, if you feel comfortable sharing the information, it may be helpful to let us know before your appointment what stage you’re currently experiencing so we can adjust our process appropriately. If helpful, use the Hoehn and Yahr scale 1 – 5 which we are broadly familiar with (Early Stage 1 – 2, Complicated Stage 3 – 4, Late Stage 5). Perhaps you could advise us of walking abilities so we can welcome you to the office with appropriate seating and set up for the most comfortable experience possible.
Commonly, morning appointments are held, and these meetings can be conducted over 3 or 4 shortened meetings if this is helpful. If we are made aware of the timings of any medication and when you’re going to be at your best, we can plan meetings at these times accordingly.
On your arrival you will find a friendly welcome, a calm, uncluttered environment, and a relaxed living room style meeting room with different types of chairs available. We will be very patient and understanding, with no rush to begin the meeting until you’re completely comfortable and settled.
We will listen patiently to you and your family’s financial planning requirements. Our advice process is face to face and we ensure the room is filled with a kind, positive energy, allowing you to feel safe sharing information, to explain things in your own time and to ultimately make decisions for yourself.
Although hopefully you will have been seated comfortably, we understand it can sometimes be challenging to stand and get moving again. If this is the case, we’re very happy to make another cup of tea and chat until you’re ready – everything in your own time.
If you are experiencing any difficulties, whether it’s symptoms of Parkinson’s or something else, please feel free to get in touch to discuss what we can do to best meet your needs ahead of any meetings. We will always do our very best to accommodate requests, and may also have some suggestions of our own based on experience.
Harold Stephens
Harold Stephens is a local, later life financial and legal planning specialist with a special interest in long-term care provision and tax efficient funding options. If you, or your loved one, are at the point of care need and are currently making important care funding decision then get in touch now for an initial chat with one of our specialist advisers by calling 0117 3636 212 or emailing office@haroldstephens.co.uk.
We will also be putting on some in person events throughout October and November in the local area covering the topic of care funding decisions and related later life financial and legal planning. Event details are updated regularly here: https://www.haroldstephens.co.uk/events/
