Our wills, probate & trusts team are speaking at an information evening organised by Wentworth Court Nursing Home on Thursday 4 June for anyone who wishes to understand more about the financial and legal issues affecting those living with dementia.
With a spotlight on issues surrounding dementia during the Alzheimer Society’s National Dementia Awareness Week from 17 – 23 May, the timely event at Cheltenham’s first dementia-only nursing home, will provide information and the opportunity to ask questions to local experts.
Manager of Wentworth Court, Carol Ball said: “Our event will be useful for anyone who’s currently caring for a loved one affected by dementia and wishes to understand more about how to fund their care and to best legally manage their assets.”
“With the Alzheimer’s Society estimating that one million people will be affected by dementia by 2025, it’s also relevant for any of us to think ahead about managing our legal affairs should our capacity diminish over time as well as make plans to finance any future care needs.
“We’re delighted to have on hand representatives from Cheltenham-based businesses, Willans LLP solicitors and Neil Gayler & Co, who will help people to understand the implications of the 2014 Care Act and provide expert insights.”
Our solicitors Nick Southwell, Simon Cook and Rachel Taylor will address the pitfalls of not having your personal affairs in order, powers of attorney and how to understand deputyships and Court of Protection applications. Simon and Rachel are both members of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), experts who are, by definition, the most experienced and senior practitioners in the field of trusts and estates. They have over 25 years’ combined experience in looking after elderly and vulnerable people including those with dementia.
Neil Gayler, an Independent Financial Adviser accredited with the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), will discuss what the 2014 Care Act really means for individuals and will provide an insight into the different options available for funding care home fees. Neil is Cheltenham’s only SOLLA-accredited Later Life Specialist Adviser and one of only three such accredited Independent Financial Advisers in Gloucestershire.
Nick Southwell, who is a solicitor with expertise in inheritance and trust disputes, said: “One of the important steps that you can take to protect someone who has dementia is to ensure that they have made a will and perhaps a power of attorney. The sooner this is done the better as if matters are left too late there is an increased risk of family disputes either before or after the person’s death.”
Head of our wills, probate & trusts team, Simon Cook, added: “There will be an opportunity after the talk for individuals to chat to myself or one of our six-lawyer team, about any specific issues or concerns. We’re looking forward to an interesting and informative evening.”
The event is free to attend and will start with refreshments at 6pm for a 6.30pm talk. To register interest, please call 01242 263334 or email admin@wentworthct.com.
Wentworth Court opened earlier this month and offers long-term nursing, respite and day care for people living with dementia. For more information or to book a visit, please go to www.wentworthct.com
