Age & Stage brings you practical guidance, expert help and inspiration to help navigate all aspects of elderly care and old age.
Presented by Age Space’s Annabel James and journalist & broadcaster Daisy McAndrew, we tackle a different subject every week in conversation with guest experts who each bring a wealth of experience and expertise.
Advising on everything from different kinds of care, funding care and legal things to consider, the practicalities of helping elderly parents and relatives remain living independently and safely at home, conversations about when to stop driving, getting a dementia diagnosis,the importance of a power of attorney; family dynamics, death and grief, and much more.
You can email the show at ageandstage@agespace.org, leave a WhatsApp message at 07982 360113 or record a voicenote here: https://www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
Please share Age & Stage with a friend, or someone you know who would be helped by the information in this series. You can send them this link: https://pod.link/1798413657
Find out more about Age Space at www.agespace.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Age & Stage brings you practical guidance, expert help and inspiration to help navigate all aspects of elderly care and old age.
Presented by Age Space’s Annabel James and journalist & broadcaster Daisy McAndrew, we tackle a different subject every week in conversation with guest experts who each bring a wealth of experience and expertise.
Advising on everything from different kinds of care, funding care and legal things to consider, the practicalities of helping elderly parents and relatives remain living independently and safely at home, conversations about when to stop driving, getting a dementia diagnosis,the importance of a power of attorney; family dynamics, death and grief, and much more.
You can email the show at ageandstage@agespace.org, leave a WhatsApp message at 07982 360113 or record a voicenote here: https://www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
Please share Age & Stage with a friend, or someone you know who would be helped by the information in this series. You can send them this link: https://pod.link/1798413657
Find out more about Age Space at www.agespace.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the final episode of series 1, Annabel & Daisy speak with Cameron Young, CEO of trinityhomecare.co.uk about the evolving home care sector in the UK, and the need for early planning and community support,
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Key points:
Early planning is essential, a subject that has come up in many of our podcast episodes.
There are varied strands of home care - including live-in care, preventative care and dementia support.
Technology is increasingly being used - positively - in enhancing care.
We explain CQC ratings and how to gauge a care home that currently isn't CQC rated (through no fault of their own).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode is not intended as individual financial advice. You should always speak to an independent financial advisor.
Mel Kenny is a chartered financial planner at https://rad-new.com/ and a regional coordinator with https://societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk/. He discusses the financial considerations for elderly individuals and their families. He emphasises the importance of soft skills in financial advice, such as listening and providing reassurance. Key topics include annuities, equity release, and trusts, which can help manage care costs and help decisions when it comes to a reliance on local authorities. Kenny also highlights the challenges of balancing financial planning with emotional needs, the role of SOLLA in providing accredited advisors, and the complexities of NHS continuing care. He stresses the importance of comprehensive financial advice that considers both financial stability and emotional well-being.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Key points:
Explore annuity options to cover potential care costs.
Investigate lifetime mortgages as a way to access home equity without having to move.
Seek a care needs assessment from the local authority to determine funding support.
It is essential for the advisor to listen to clients and make them feel heard, which can make a significant difference in meetings.
The emotional aspect of financial advice should be considered and the importance of providing reassurance to clients and their families.
The 'Care Cap' was proposed as a solution to the challenges of long-term planning for care funding. This idea has now been scrapped and the focus is on the wider government review and plan, with some clarity coming in 2026.
There is an annual allowance for gifting money, along with other small transfers, but this is bound up in various rules and regulations which should be considered.
In what can be a confusing and changing financial world, the best advice is often to build up assets to a point where potential care needs can likely be covered.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Debbie Harris from the elderly care and retirement-living directory autumna.co.uk discusses the complexities of choosing a care home with Daisy and Annabel. She highlights the need for quick decision-making, with a typical six-week window, how Autumna supports over 3,000 families monthly, offering a care-finding tool and a seven-day advice line. The discussion also explores the current challenges facing the Care Quality Commission and the importance of understanding care needs, along with the impact of hospital discharge delays, and much more.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Key takeaways from this episode:
Using a directory like Autumna, Identify what type of care is needed (e.g., residential, nursing, complex, dementia) and search for care homes accordingly.
It's important to identify a good care home, although the subjective nature of quality care to suit each individual means 'one size' rarely fits all.
Autumna offers a huge number of filters in the search function, covering pets, gender and LGBTQ+ wishes, food preferences and much more.
Consider factors like location, price, additional care needs, behaviors, nursing specialisms, food requirements, disability support, room types, and nearby services when searching for a care home.
Ensure power of attorney is in place and understand how long any available funds will realistically last before needing a transition to local authority funding (balancing circumstances with location choices, alongside the available budget).
Autumna is transparent and provides unbiased information.
Consider respite care as a temporary measure to get the elderly relative back on their feet before potentially returning home.
The conversation touches on the importance of positive social care stories - of which there are many - and the need for better press for the vast majority of cases.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Margaret Doyle and Tracey Adamson are 'Elder Mediators'. We discuss the role of mediation in helping families to resolve issues and concerns about care and support for elderly parents and relatives. We also cover the challenges and benefits of elder mediation, including intergenerational conflicts, estrangement, and care issues.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Mediation differs from therapy, focusing on practical solutions and respecting all parties' rights. They highlight the importance of addressing unspoken issues and the role of active listening and "I" statements. The conversation also touches on the gender dynamics in caregiving and the potential for mediation in resolving disputes with care providers. The episode emphasises the need for early, non-confrontational conversations and the benefits of mediation in achieving sustainable solutions.
Mentioned In The Episode:
The Elder Mediation International Network: https://elder-mediation-international.net/
Sandeep Jauhar - My Father's Brain https://amzn.eu/d/3XUyWq1
Kathryn Mannix - Listen https://amzn.eu/d/d7eW0Sj
Hourglass https://www.wearehourglass.org/
Summary:
"Tracey speaking about the fact that mediators love conflict because it's the catalyst for change. I think that's a very sort of interesting and positive way to think about how you're feeling perhaps at this stage in discussing elderly care with parents and relatives. You know, it's a step in the process. I also thought, of course, obvious, but something you never think about that there may not be obvious conflict, just decades of baggage that you've carried around with you since you were a kid. So trying to sort of see that for what it is, I think, is probably really helpful. And then the notion that all of this is tainted with grief and loss, and, you know, fear for your parents and the fact that they're sort of slowly ebbing away before you, that's a really important dynamic in all of this. I also thought what was really important was ageism and its impact, and how we think about our elderly parents and relatives. And we need to think about it much sooner and in that broader context, and I think finally, but almost most importantly, finding the right time to have these conversations. Of course, it doesn't need to be around the kitchen table or the dining room table, which you know, as we know, can feel quite confrontation but actually out on the walk when you're side by side with each other. So a huge thank you to Margaret and Tracey".
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peter Thornton, author of "The Later Years" (https://amzn.eu/d/1bPRHfQ) discusses practical advice for organising one's life in the later years. He describes his experience with older parents and friends, emphasising the importance of practical checklists and positive outlooks. He advises drafting a will, creating a "death file" with essential documents, and maintaining physical and social health. Thornton also highlights the benefits of technology like video doorbells and personal alarms for safety. The conversation touches on the need for legal paperwork, such as lasting powers of attorney and advanced decisions, to ensure one's wishes are met.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Key Points:
Draft a will
Create an "on-death" or "death" file with important personal and financial information.
Consider home-sharing or taking in a lodger to provide companionship and additional support.
Ensure smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency response systems are in place and functioning properly.
Explore the use of smart home technologies and monitoring systems to support independent living.
Consider creating an advance decision or advance statement to communicate your wishes regarding medical treatment.
Peter refers to 'Telecare' & 'Telehealth' services. More information can be found here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/housing-options/adapting-home/telecare/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're marking Dementia Awareness Week by speaking to Vic Lyons from Admiral Nurses. Under the Dementia UK umbrella (www.dementiauk.org), Admiral Nurses provide emotional and practical support to families dealing with dementia. In the conversation, we discuss the definition and importance of dementia, the three stages of the disease and highlight the Herbert Protocol, a crucial resource for families to help locate missing individuals with dementia - a protocol that isn't nearly as well known about as it should be.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
"Dementia is a word like an umbrella term... lots of people have heard of Alzheimer's, and that is still the one that we see most commonly diagnosed, then you also have vascular dementia, which, again, equally commonly diagnosed these days. And then there's actually 200 types of dementia...dementia is more than just memory loss.... It can be personality changes, difficulty in making decisions, even sometimes expressing how you feel and communicate, and perhaps getting lost in familiar places or not being able to do things that you would ordinarily be able to do. It's a progressive condition"
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/about-dementia/stages-of-dementia/
On the Herbert Protocol: "You can do it all online, because I know for lots of families, when you need to submit it to the local police force, maybe they're not open, or you can't get hold of them, or that's great if that person's in the area. But of course, if they go to a different area, or they're visiting family somewhere else, the local police have it in their station. It's actually how do they get it to the area? So what Medic Alert started doing very recently, was having that form digitalised and stored on their system. It's free of charge, so if a person does go missing, anybody can ring the Medic Alert number, and they'll be able to get that relevant details to where they where they may be needed. So really good service out there"
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/living-with-dementia/herbert-protocol/
https://www.medicalert.org.uk/
On conversations with employers: I think it's it's important to have those conversations with your employers and say, I'm a working carer, mum's got dementia, I need to go to her appointments or whatever it is you need to do. We did a survey last year, and we know that carers talk about the how challenging it is to ask for help, to reach out, to acknowledge this is difficult, and feeling guilty that they should be able to cope. But we're not super human. We can only cope with with what we can cope with. So actually having that conversation and saying this is the reality, as you might find, that your employer can do something like offer you flexible working, or there may be something they can do to help, but if you don't have that conversation, and you leave it, it usually ends up with situations that you wouldn't want happening"
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr Lucy Pollock is a Geriatrician and author, having written two books: The Golden Rule - Lessons In Living From A Doctor Of Aging https://amzn.eu/d/5Wnmdop and The Book About Getting Older https://amzn.eu/d/cGbBH0U. Lucy spoke to Annabel James from Age Space, giving advice on managing multiple conditions and medications, advocating for better conversations and practical conversations, and taboo subjects like incontience and whether it's time to stop driving a vehicle.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Terms Used In This Episode:
BRAN - Benefits. Risks. Alternatives. (What happens if I do) Nothing.
DNR - Do not resuscitate
ACP - Advance care plan
ADRT - Advance decision to refuse treatment
Learnings From This Episode:
Geriatricians are based in hospitals but an increasing number work in the community. Most problems with older relatives and friends are managed in primary care, but complex cases may require a geriatrician. Preventative care is incredibly important and helps reduce the risk of acute emergency admissions.
Lucy's motivation to write was a wish to fill a gap in information about geriatric care and helping families ask the right questions. Having key conversations with elderly relatives is important - and whilst taboo subjects like driving cessation and incontinence can be difficult, there are ways to approach this.
The BRAN test evaluates the benefit, risk, alternatives, and necessity of medications.
Polypharmacy (multiple drugs and medications) is a growing challenge for professionals, patients and relatives. Using the BRAN test, an unnecessary medication can be identified.
Incontinence is common but it isn't necessarily 'normal'. There are ways to manage it, including pelvic floor exercises, dietary changes and equipment.
Except in limited cases, you cannot ask the doctor to stop somebody driving, This has to be a conversation with the DVLA.
Lucy also discusses the benefits of hospital at home and virtual wards for elderly patients. She explains that hospital at home can be a safer and more comfortable alternative to traditional hospital admissions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Marking Hospice UK's Dying Matters Awareness Week (https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters) Liz Pryor from the Anne Robson Trust talks frankly about an essential conversation that is often avoided until it is too late. The Trust (https://annerobsontrust.org.uk/) provides advice, training and companionship, working alongside partner healthcare organisations, bringing support, comfort and compassion to those nearing the end of life, and those closest to them.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Liz set up the trust in memory of her mother, providing resources, workshops, and work with healthcare organisations to provide support for those dying. The most important thing to do for those supporting relatives and friends who are near end of life, is to have conversations as early as possible - rather than making hasty plans during their final days. There is a helpful "my wishes" checklist available on the Anne Robson Trust website.
Liz explains the process of dying, including physical changes and the importance of understanding these stages. She mentions the concept of "Cheyne-Stokes breathing" and other physical signs that indicate the end of life. She also highlights the importance of having a calm and supportive environment for the dying person.
Family members should ask direct questions about the expected timeline of death and to have early conversations about end-of-life care. it is also important to have advanced care plans, DNRs if appropriate, and other legal documents in place. Liz also explains the role of hospices in providing support both in hospitals and at home, and the importance of accessing these services.
Liz introduces the concept of death doulas or soul midwives, who provide spiritual support during the end-of-life journey. She mentions the Anne Robson Trust's new project to engage volunteers to support people in their homes as they die and highlights the importance of moving end-of-life care back into the community to reduce emergency admissions and provide better support.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Holidays, vacations and excursions are the subject of a fun and upbeat conversation in this episode. Age Space's Annabel James and broadcaster & journalist, Daisy McAndrew speak to Silver Travel adviser, Kelly Gallagher (https://silvertraveladvisor.com/). They talk about the cost benefits to travelling out of season, the challenges of solo travel and the dreaded 'single supplement', and how travel companies and advisors are upping their game to encourage a mature customer base to holiday with them.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
An aging population has influenced the travel industry with a growing popularity in long-stay holidays and a flexibility for older travellers, who are able to take advance of low or 'shoulder' seasons and avoid peak prices.
Another development is a 'SPIN' holiday - a 'special interest' trip. These holidays have increased by 64% in 2024 and can focus on cookery, language learning, walking, photography, bird watching etc.
Enquire about the availability of accessible rooms, assisted support on airlines, and fully assisted holidays. The important thing is to work with the right companies and operators to meet specific needs. Silver Travel Advisors work with Dementia Adventure which offers retreats for people living with the illness (https://dementiaadventure.org/)
Tips for solo travelers include starting with shorter trips, joining group tours, and choosing cruises that cater to solo travelers. It is important the there is an understanding of what the solo holidaymaker wants from their experience..
There are various options, including sharing rooms with same-gender travelers and booking with companies that offer no single supplements. The importance is to work with travel agents who can find promotional offers to reduce or eliminate single supplements. Some cruise lines offer solo cabins with no single supplement.
A number of cruises depart from the UK and reduce carbon emissions. The importance of considering the residents of the area you visit and being a respectful tourist is important, regardless of age.Cruise ships and hotels have made efforts to reduce their environmental impact, such as no plastic policies and water conservation efforts.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Age Space's Annabel James and broadcaster & journalist, Daisy McAndrew have a long overdue catchup, two months into the podcast. This episode includes advice on the increasing costs but also the increased benefits available for parents and friends needing later life care. Plus, Annabel and Daisy review some of the key points from the show's interviewees to-date (with apologies for Annabel's dodgy microphone!).
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr Simon Adelman, consultant psychiatrist and leading expert in cognitive health and mental health, discusses what cognitive impairment is. We talk about impairment in old age, how it can affect our family and friends and practical advice on symptoms, prevention and treatment. Dr Adelman can be found here: https://halcyondoctors.com/doctors/
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
From the conversation:
Recognising & addressing cognitive impairment. There is an increasing recognition of mental health issues in older adults, including dementia. It's important to consult a GP for any health concerns, physical or mental. There is an overlap between mental illnesses and physical conditions, such as delirium, which can be caused by infections or other medical issues.
There's a difference between acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term) cognitive issues. Acute conditions, such as delirium, are often caused by physical conditions like infections and can be treated with antibiotics. Common symptoms of acute cognitive issues include disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations, and physical symptoms like urinary incontinence. Chronic conditions, such as dementia, develop over a longer period and require different approaches for diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Simon Adelman differentiates between lifelong depression and depression symptoms that develops in older age. He explains that depression can be a symptom of dementia or other physical conditions, and it can be exacerbated by life changes like retirement or bereavement. It's advised to seeki medical help if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, cause significant distress, or interfere with daily functioning.
There is a process of diagnosing dementia, including memory testing, blood tests, and brain scans. Memory clinics, which are part of older adult mental health services, conduct these assessments and provide diagnoses. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow down the progression of dementia.
Dr. Adelman provides practical tips for maintaining mental health, including addressing hearing and vision problems.He emphasizes the importance of controlling vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, to reduce the risk of dementia. He also recommends engaging in activities that are enjoyable and mentally stimulating for maintaining cognitive resilience.
There is a link between sensory health (hearing and vision) and the risk of dementia. The brain is a muscle that needs stimulation to stay healthy, and sensory input is essential for this. Addressing hearing and vision problems can help prevent or slow down the onset of dementia.
While there is no cure for dementia, treatments can slow down its progression and improve quality of life. There needs to be better awareness and access to mental health services for older adults.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan Skipper from Age UK Norwich (https://www.ageuk.org.uk/norwich/) outlines the resources available for older friends and relatives, both in his native Norfolk and as part of the wider Age UK network. Services include clubs and trips, health and wellbeing and advice on benefits and entitlements. We also discuss the challenges of funding care services in a cost of living crisis.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Age UK is a federation of independent local charities, providing locally driven services with a national influence. Age UK Norwich itself has been around for 80 years, offering information and advice on various subjects, including money, welfare entitlement, care, health, loneliness, and social connection. The services are free and provided within people's homes or in the community, helping with practical support and completing application forms. Dan highlights the importance of physical health coaching, practical support in the home, and addressing issues like loneliness and social connection.
Nearly 60% of Age UK Norwich's clients come directly to them, while the rest are referred by friends, family, or professionals. It's important to address issues holistically, as problems like loneliness and financial difficulties often intersect. The organization aims to provide multiple services to clients, addressing various aspects of their lives
.
It's important to address frailty, which is a complex syndrome involving physical health, resilience, and social connections. Dan encourages planning for wills, power of attorney, and discussing long-term care preferences with elderly parents and relatives.
Age UK works with other organisations including the NHS, social care, and smaller local charities. Whilst volunteers are important, the majority of services are delivered by paid staff due to the complexity of the work. Sadly, there has been a decline in volunteering due to the cost of living crisis and the physical frailty of older volunteers.
Many clients seek help with financial issues, such as affording food, heating, and repairs. Age UK provides emergency hardship grants for essential items like food and fuel. Last year, they secured £2.87 million for Norwich residents, mostly for debt reduction and improving living conditions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Meirion Shaw, founder of thehomemover.co.uk shares her experience and challenges of helping older clients downsize, including the emotional and logistical hurdles, the need for early planning and preparation, family dynamics, and the role of third-party support.
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
From the conversation:
The decision to downsize can have multiple reasons; whether a move needs to be made to a care home, mobility issues making a larger house impractical, the need to raise funds for the cost of care and so on.
Plan ahead, preferably a number of years in advance. Often downsizing or moving occurs too late and is a more stressful experience for the older relative or friend.
If the house is being put on the market, do the first declutter before formally putting the house up for sale. 'Start with the sock drawer' or the cupboard under the stairs.
Never tackle something with anything that holds deep emotional value in that first declutter.
Make a list of all major items in the house and decide what to take to the new home.
Declutter in short, sharp bursts and perhaps invite a friend to talk to whilst you do it.
Bring in a valuer to assess the value of items. This can aid family negotiations and sibling rivalries.
Label all boxes clearly with the room they belong to, to make unpacking easier.
Research charities, organisations and local people in need, to make donations of unwanted furniture and other items.
Aim to recreate a familiar environment in the new home by reusing familiar furniture or the placing of items. This is especially important in cases of dementia.
Identify local organisations that can provide companionship and support for someone with dementia after they've moved.
Research removal firms and check their online reviews. It might be worth asking other people for their experiences or recommendations.
Moving a relative into the family home can be tricky. You're often moving them to an area where they don't know anyone. Meirion's recommendation is to bring them fully into family life, rather than them living in a separate 'annex'.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What to do about financial scams? Annabel James & Daisy McAndrew are joined by Alex Somervell from Ask Silver, the free AI-powered scam checking tool (https://www.ask-silver.com/)
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
This episode explores the different types of financial scams, practical ways to protect loved ones, the role of banks, and dealing with the guilt and shame associated that older relatives and friends might feel.
Statistics and Demographics of Scams
An older adult gets scammed every 40 seconds in the UK, with an average loss of £2,500 per incident. Older people are targeted because they are more affluent, despite millennials being more likely to be scammed.
Types of Scams and Common Scenarios
Investment and romance scams result in the highest average losses. Older adults, especially those who have been divorced, are often targeted in romance scams. Alex suggests using reverse image searches online to verify profiles.
Emotional Impact and Practical Advice
It’s important to be tactful when discussing scams with family members. Using call blockers, preference services, and tools like Ask Silver can help to avoid scams. In addition, good ‘data hygiene’ should be practised (for example, using different passwords for different services and accounts).
Supporting Scam Victims
Report the scam to the police, contact the bank, and report it to Action Fraud (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/). Emotional support of the victim is important, as is helping protect them from future scams (this often happens – either a separate scam or one connected to the original, pretending to be their bank or a representative of the authorities – potentially gaining further money from the individual).
Introduction to Ask Silver
Ask Silver is a free scam checker that operates on WhatsApp and helps users verify the authenticity of suspicious messages. The tool extracts information from screenshots and analyses it like a fraud expert. If dealing with a scam, it will report the incident to all relevant crime and regulatory contacts.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Later life funding and financial advice for the elderly with Jane Finnerty, co-chair and co-founder of the Society of Later Life Advisors (SOLLA), a non profit organisation providing accredited training to IFAs who provide financial services to older people. They can be found at https://societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk
Get in touch with your comments & questions
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Challenges for later life funding and finance
The historical focus of financial services didn’t account for the new phenomenon of living much longer into later life. With the increase in life expectancy and to allow for 30 years or more of funds, it’s important to understand the different income streams available, including pensions and home ownership.
Differences Between Regular and SOLLA-Accredited Financial Advisors
SOLLA-accredited advisors specialise in later life financial advice, going beyond general financial advice – and are trained to consider the specific needs of older clients, including cognitive decline and mobility issues, and can explain complex financial concepts clearly.
Navigating Financial Conversations with Family Members
Start having financial conversations with family members early. If a ‘Power Of Attorney’ document is part of the plan, it’s important to consider the right person to be appointed as the power of attorney. This power of attorney can also be accompanied by a ‘letter of wishes’ which, whilst not legally binding, helps explain the decisions made. A power of attorney isn't a 'free-for-all' to manage someone else's affairs and is often misunderstood.
Gifting and Equity Release
There are different ways to gift money, including gifting out of income. There are also benefits and risks to equity release and lifetime mortgages. It’s important to bring in specialist advice.
Annuities and Care Annuities
‘Annuities’ have seen a resurgence and might well be a consideration as interest rates have increased. Whilst there could be tax advantages to care annuities, once again it’s important to take regulated financial advice.
Paying for Financial Advice
Financial advice is valuable for everyone, not just the wealthy. The advice can help clients claim benefits like attendance allowance and be well worth the initial cost.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
NHS Continuing Healthcare offers some people free health and social care and is funded solely by the NHS. The assessment includes what help is needed and how complex, intense and unpredictable the needs might be. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-continuing-healthcare/
As always with money matters, it's important to seek financial advice.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The complexities of finding great care homes with Stephen Burke (www.hallmarkfoundation.org.uk), a care sector advocate. Stephen shares his personal experience and insights on the importance of planning for care needs.
Email: ageandstage@agespace.org
Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp: 07982 360113
Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657
Age Space: www.agespace.org
Challenges Of Complaining
The importance of consumers commenting on care services, similar to other consumer products. The challenges families face when making complaints about care homes, especially for older relatives. The need for families to be aware of their rights and the importance of assessments by local authorities to understand care needs.
Initial Steps in Caregiving
Initial steps when a relative needs extra help, focusing on identifying needs and practical support, discussing needs with the relative and identifying what help is required, from basic tasks like cleaning and shopping to full home care. The stigma around the word "carer" and how it can be more acceptable to describe it as "help" initially. And the various types of care available, from housekeeping and companionship to overnight care and living care, and the importance of understanding individual needs.
Financial Aspects of Care
The role of local authorities in assessing needs and providing support and the financial assessments for care services.The importance of having an assessment even if the family is paying for care out of their own resources.The need to plan ahead to ensure the right housing and support as people age.
Geographical and Demographic Considerations
The impact of geographical location on care services, particularly in coastal and rural areas and the challenge of accessing those services. The need for housing options that support aging well, including staying connected and maintaining networks of friends and the importance of planning for care needs early to avoid making decisions in a crisis situation.
Hospital Discharge and Rehabilitation
The role of family members in facilitating a smooth transition, standing up for relatives in hospital and ensuring a proper discharge plan is in place. How the first six weeks after hospital discharge is critical and the importance of having the necessary support in place. The revolving door situation where people are stuck in hospital or leave without proper support, leading to repeated crises.
Choosing the Right Care Home
The process of choosing a care home, including spending time at the home and talking to residents and staff alongside using multiple sources of information, including reviews and local authority assessments, to make an informed decision. The importance of staff turnover and consistency in care, as well as the role of technology in monitoring care - and the need for good communication to ensure quality care.
Costs and Financial Planning
With current prices ranging from £1000 to over £2000 a week, the options for financial planning, including selling the home and using savings. The importance of planning ahead to cover care costs and the role of financial advisors in this process and the financial implications.
Final Tips and Practical Advice
Use local authority services, organisations like Age UK, and websites like Age Space for information and support. The importance of speaking to other families and the need the need for practical planning and early preparation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Age and Stage, a new podcast for everybody, caring for or supporting their elderly, parents, relatives, friends, even neighbours.
Do please get in touch with us:
You can email the show: ageandstage@agespace.org
Record a voice note: https://www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage
WhatsApp message – 07982 360113
Please share Age & Stage with friends or those who would find this podcast useful. You can send them this link: https://pod.link/1798413657
More information on all this and more at www.agespace.org
Planning ahead - parenting your parents
It's about paying a bit more attention when you go home, what's the fridge looking like? If things start to be out of their sell-by date, or there isn't much food in the fridge. And somebody who was always very house proud, it starts feeling different, smelling different. Is the post being opened?
Questions to ask to start planning ahead for elderly care
There are three conversations to have with parents and relatives if you can:
1.Where do you want to live? Do you want to stay in your own home? Would you down-size or would you come and live with me?
2. Thinking about if you're going to need care, what would you like? Would you have people living in? Do you want people who come in the day? Is there a care home locally that people recommend?
3. How might this be paid for?
The demographics of an ageing population
It's thought between seven and 10 million people provide unpaid care every week for an elderly parent or relative.
Millions more in the next 10 years will be over 85 and all the issues this will bring. And the sandwich generation, teenage kids and a mother in her mid 80s with mobility issues and memory issues. Many of us have children later and our parents need help at the same time.
Siblings and family dynamics
Every family is different. Try and share the responsibility before you need to. Somebody's living in Australia, maybe they can do the finances, or, if somebody's close by, they look after the home, and somebody else might look after the care decisions. It's about playing to people's strengths so that everybody does feel they have an involvement, but also responsibility to be involved.
Loneliness in old age
By the very nature of ageing your social circle gets smaller as your friends die. A friend of mum's said that every year she was determined to make a younger friend, because she wanted to ensure her future social life. But a lot of the older generation either find it too difficult to keep up with their friends, or want to rely on their nearest and dearest, but you do want to encourage a social life, and sometimes the pressure on you to be that social life as well as the carer is huge.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Starting Thursday 6th March, a brand new series for those caring for elderly relatives and friends, or those about to embark on the complex journey, presented by Age Space's Annabel James alongside broadcaster and journalist Daisy McAndrew.
The series will cover everything from finding the right care, funding that care, the legal and financial practicalities of old age and much more, along with no-nonsense advice and guests who are experts in their field
Like or subscribe in your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
