A Guide To Caring For A Loved One
Reasons to choose Wilson Browne
Caring for an elderly or vulnerable loved one can be deeply rewarding, but it also brings emotional, financial and administrative pressures.
This guide outlines the professional support available to help you manage those responsibilities with confidence, clarity and peace of mind.
On this page:
Management Services
Supporting someone in later life often means juggling day‑to‑day care with complex financial and legal responsibilities. Our specialist team can step in to manage these tasks, giving you more time to focus on what matters most: your loved one’s wellbeing.
What we can help with
- Managing bank and building society accounts
- Arranging payment of bills
- Advice on social security benefits, pensions and tax allowances
- Completion of income tax returns
- Drafting Wills or Statutory Wills
- Formation of Trusts
- Arranging Independent Financial Advice
- Care funding challenges and advice
Advisory Services
Navigating later‑life decisions can be complex. We provide clear, practical advice to help you make informed choices.
Key areas of support
- Guidance on care funding contracts and local authority paperwork
- Support with challenging funding decisions through the NHS or local authority
- Advice on gifting property while continuing to live there, including risks and tax implications
- Strategies for protecting family assets in later life
- Assistance with selling a property, including arranging estate agents, conveyancing, and investment advice following the sale
Residential Care
If a move into residential care becomes necessary, we can guide you through every step.
We advise on
- Types of accommodation
- Legal requirements
- Fees and regulations
- Funding options
Home visits can be arranged for those already living in residential care.
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney allows someone to legally manage another person’s affairs.
Two types are available
- Property and Financial Affairs
- Health and Welfare
The person granting the authority must understand the document at the time of signing. Once registered, the Power of Attorney remains valid even if they later lose capacity.
Court of Protection
If a loved one lacks capacity and no Power of Attorney is in place, the Court of Protection can appoint a Deputy to manage their affairs.
When an application may be needed
- A disabled child reaching adulthood
- Loss of capacity due to accident or illness
- Disputes involving an incapacitated person
- Making gifts or tax‑planning decisions on behalf of someone who cannot do so themselves
A Deputy is usually a relative, but a solicitor can act where no suitable person is available.
Costs
Many people assume legal support is expensive, but we aim to make costs clear and manageable.
- Fixed fees are offered wherever possible
- If a fixed fee isn’t suitable, we explain the charging structure at the first meeting
- A written summary of costs is always provided
Our team is recognised by the independently researched Legal 500 for excellence in later‑life legal services.