A forward-thinking approach ensures greater financial flexibility and control over care preferences.
Following our recent webinar about the importance of planning for later life care, I’d firstly like to extend my thanks to everyone who attended, Lorraine Windsor of The Social Matrix for moderating the event and to our guest speakers; Sue Hill, General Manager and Jessica Tettey, Home Admissions Adviser, Leah Lodge, Cinnamon Care who demonstrated just how vibrant and fulfilling later life can be in the right setting.
If you couldn’t join us, here’s a summary of some key questions and scenarios we covered:
Choosing care home location—what are your options?
A common concern is whether a loved one can move into a care home outside the local authority area they are currently living in, often to be closer to family members.
Council’s will typically prefer funding care in the least expensive areas where possible so you’ll likely have limited choice as to where a family member ends up. For those self-funding, the choice is entirely yours.
Navigating resistance to care home moves
Understandably, many individuals, feel reluctant to leave their homes, with phrases like “I’ll only leave in a box” being all too familiar. Instead of forcing the issue, we discussed how framing care as a means of continuing independence rather than surrendering it can shift perspectives.
Gradual exposure such as short visits to care homes or small home adaptation can make transitions smoother.
Can’t I just wait and see if care is needed?
In theory this sounds like a good idea but care needs often arise suddenly and decisions have to be made quickly. At that point, you might not have the mental capacity or financial flexibility you need. If your assets fall below the threshold, the council might only fund a home that’s available, rather than the one you’d have chosen.
A forward-thinking approach ensures greater financial flexibility and control over care preferences.
Is there financial help available to stay at home rather than go into a care setting?
Depending on individual needs and financial situation, support from local authorities or NHS Continuing Healthcare may be available but it should not be counted on. Private options such as equity release or care annuities also play a role an important role.
Don’t leave sorting Power of Attorney too late
A crucial discussion in our webinar focused on dementia and legal preparations. If your loved one can still comprehend the nature of a Power of Attorney and actively consent, it’s not too late to set it up. However, if their condition has advanced to the point where they can no longer make informed decisions, the (somewhat lengthy) alternative is applying for deputyship via the Court of Protection.
Is a trial period in a care home possible?
As highlighted by Jess & Sue, a good care home can make all the difference later on to quality of life both to the resident and the family as a whole and many will offer short-term stays giving individuals a chance to experience the environment before making any long-term decision.
What should I do next?
Whether you’re looking at your own later life care options or for a family member, it’s essential to start planning as soon as possible. Throughout the session we frequently noted, how discussing care options and finances with family members can be a sensitive subject so it’s important to approach it as openly as you can. Visiting care homes in areas you are considering can help people visualise the future and help to create a shortlist of homes based on quality and amenities.
Reviewing your financial and legal documents with an expert will help ensure everything aligns with your long-term goals providing you and your loved ones with peace of mind and flexibility.
If you would like to watch the webinar on demand, you can do so here. Alternatively, please do get in touch and together we can create a strategy that secures the best possible future for you and your loved ones.
By Daren Wallbank
Lasting power of attorneys is not part of the Quilter Financial Planning offering and is offered in our own right. Quilter Financial Planning accept no responsibility for this aspect of our business.
Lasting power of attorneys is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited 06/06/2025.
