Author: Leah Waller

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Bank of Mum & Dad

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Bank of Mum & Dad:
The implications of helping the younger generation getting on the property ladder

Helping the younger generation to get an all important foot on the property ladder may be the only option for many parents but what should we, as parents, consider before shelling out the deposit?

LPA_Gift

Perhaps the simplest way to help the younger generation in getting a foot on the property ladder, is by giving them a decent sized deposit as a GIFT. There are no tax implications on this gift of money, as parents can pass money (as much as they like!) to their children without incurring any tax liability.

However, if you (the parent) pass away within seven years of making the gift then it may be subject to Inheritance Tax. Where your Estate is worth more than £325,000 (the current Inheritance Tax Threshold) Inheritance will be payable on everything over this amount, including any gifts given within the seven years prior to your death.

Where money is gifted and the property is being bought by your child with a partner, it may be worth considering what would happen should the relationship between your child and their partner take a downturn and the property ultimately be sold.

LPA_Loans

Possibly a better option for parents not in a position to give an outright gift, is to LOAN your children the money for a deposit.

However, some mortgage companies may not be prepared to enter into arrangements where money has been loaned and so this could limit the mortgage options. Where a mortgage company is happy to accept the arrangement, they may want to know the exact repayment arrangements in order that these can be taken into account when calculating the mortgage and affordability and therefore meaning that a lower amount can be borrowed.Where you have loaned the money and receive repayments, you may be liable to Income Tax on any interest that you charge on the loan amount (if any interest is charged).

If you are going to loan the money, then it would be worthwhile drawing up a formal loan agreement to include all of the agreed terms in relation to repayment, any interest and the expectations of each party.

LPA_Buy

Another option would be for you to BUY THE PROPERTY with your child. You could purchase the property as TENANTS IN COMMON to reflect the amount of the property that is owned by each individual (perhaps dependant on the amount that you are putting into the property and how the mortgage will be paid).

However, if this means that you would own more than one property then it will count as a second home and you would therefore be liable to an additional 3% on Stamp Duty and may also have Capital Gains Tax implications when the property is sold if you are still listed on the property as an owner/proprietor at Land Registry or on the mortgage.

If this option is taken, it would be advisable to draw up a Declaration of Trust to include the proportions owned by each person and what happens if one party wants to sell.

 

So, although helping your children take that all important step to get on to the property ladder may seem like a great idea, it is extremely important to think about the best way of doing this…for yourself and for your children!

 

If you would like a FREE chat to discuss your options, get in touch on info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk or 01727 865 121

Leah Waller

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Rubik’s Cube & TLC: What is the connection?

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Rubik’s Cubes & TLC:
What is the connection?

What on earth is the connection between a Will Writing Company and Rubik’s?

It does seem a little random doesn’t it?

Well let’s clear this up for you…

Rubiks_Speed_Cube

Here at TLC, one of our core services is putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place for our clients. Our clients are concerned about losing capacity later in life and want to make sure they are covered – It’s very important, and you can find out more in our article “Why do I need an LPA?”.

One of our clients’ main concerns, when considering an LPA, is developing Dementia; a cruel condition that takes over an individual’s life. Like many of us, we at TLC have had loved ones that have developed this condition and have first hand experience of the devastation it can bring. We wanted to look at ways of preventing or at least delaying the symptoms of Dementia.

Dementia is classed as a “disease of the mind” and affects the brain. Memory loss is a significant symptom and so we were keen to look into this. Research and studies have shown that keeping the mind active has positive benefits at any age and this can take a variety of forms including completing crosswords, sudoku and such like, to improve their minds and keep them active. So, we thought, let’s up the ante a little and look at one of the most difficult puzzles of all time…the Rubik’s cube. 

One of the directors at TLC is a Rubik’s fanatic (that’s me!), not least because having learnt with my son just a few years ago, I know of the huge benefit that the Rubik’s cube brought, enabling bonding with my son as we learnt to solve it.

When you look at a cube for the first time, it seems utterly impossible. There are books to read to solve it, videos on YouTube but even these seem confusing and overwhelming. We persisted, took each stage onboard and finally completed it! It took a little while to continue to practise until we were confident to complete it, on our own, unaided. At the age of 40, I felt like I had really achieved something but the time with my son learning together was PRICELESS!

Neil Barras-Smith

I still solve the Rubik’s cube daily and not a day has passed, since I learnt the cube three years ago, that I haven’t picked up my cube and played around with it.

Still with us? Let’s continue.

Now, the benefits alone from the Rubik’s cube can make your mind sharper, it builds your own confidence and raises self esteem, improves hand-eye coordination just to mention a few. These benefits can make a huge improvement on someone’s day-to-day life and so this is why we decided to take the Rubik’s cube into care homes.

Rubik's_At_Care_Home

We took some time to devise lessons specifically tailored to the elderly – this was never, and will never be, about speed rather just about being able to solve the cube, as that in itself is a feat! 

We broke the course down into 8 steps to be able to complete the Rubik’s cube (from wherever you start with the cube). Each week we teach a step towards solving the Rubik’s cube.

Each step takes around 2 minutes to explain, then we practice, practice… and practice some more!!! Our participants love it, as do we. Seeing their faces light up as they understand and get what they are doing is rewarding in itself. There is a buzz in the room…there’s also confusion at times, but we work passed that 🙂

Rubiks_At_The_Care_Home

One of our current students is 101 years young and an absolute inspiration, she is so focused on learning and mastering the Rubik’s cube and is always the first in the class and the last to leave.

We are currently working with a fantastic Care Home in St Albans – Grace Muriel House, which is a fabulous care home with wonderful staff. The carers sit in on the lessons as the residents learn and able to support the participants in the lessons and then throughout the week once we have left. This project is supported by Rubik’s themselves and they have provided all of the Rubik’s cubes free of charge for everyone to learn – 

Thanks Rubik’s for your support!

Chick_Rubiks

We are now running a project to prove the cube can make a difference and hopefully delay the effects of Dementia. We also have a separate social media account & website  http://DementiaTLC.co.uk to provide awareness and support to those living with the condition and also carers and family members.

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If you would like to learn to solve the cube yourself or want to get involved with our volunteering, please do get in touch.


info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk or 01727 865 121

Neil Barras-Smith

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Later Life Planning: Decluttering to Create an Organised Home for Independent Living

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Later Life Planning: Decluttering to Create an Organised Home for Independent Living

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On Tuesday 23 July 2019 at 8pm we will be chatting LIVE on our Facebook Page to Professional Organiser, Tracy Ross of Blissfully Organised about decluttering and organisation for a tidy home, work and living space.

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The home of someone living with dementia may have become cluttered because of a change in habit i.e. they prefer to keep their possessions where they can see them rather than store them away and risk not being able to find them or because they have lost the ability to look after their living space.

I wanted to share my experience of working with families in the early stages of dementia to create a safe living environment for longer independent living

 

Difficulties of Living in A Cluttered Environment

Living in a cluttered environment can make day to day living more difficult and confusing for someone with dementia.

It may cause: 

  1. Increased anxiety and stress from not being able to find what they need
  2. Increased confusion as useless things become mixed up with important items
  3. Increased risk of tripping as it becomes more difficult to differentiate one object from another
  4. Increased hygiene risk as it’s more difficult to clean a cluttered space
  5. Increased fire risk making emergency access more difficult

 

The Importance Of An Uncluttered and Simplified Home

Creating an uncluttered and simplified home can help to increase the chances of someone living with dementia to maintain independence for longer, in a safe environment. They can continue to perform daily tasks and avoid situations which may cause confusion.

In early dementia it is common for an individual to mislay items around the home and become upset about not finding the things that they need.

I have worked closely with my clients’ adult children or carers to create a new simplified living environment. This can be a stressful and emotional time for everyone. I have found that it works better if the changes can be made in the early stages when they are more likely to understand the need for it. At this stage they can be involved with the decision-making process of where to keep key items and making decisions on which items are important to keep and those that they no longer need.

 

Blissfully Organised’s Top Tips to Create an Uncluttered and Safe Living Space

Blissfully_Organised_Number_1

ACTION PLAN 

Create a decluttering and organisation action plan for each room. The objective is to create a safe and comfortable living space. Understand the items that are important to them and their daily routine – medicines, keys, toiletries, clothing and kitchen essentials (their favourite mug etc). Once you know which items are essential you can start to eliminate unnecessary items. Simplifying the number of items will make it easier to find what they need, i.e. in the kitchen you can reduce the number of cups, plates, cutlery, glasses to the minimum required. In the bathroom you can simplify the items to have one of each, i.e. shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, soap, hairbrush etc.

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING 

Designate fixed locations for everything in the home, i.e. medicines, glasses, keys etc. 

Agree where key items should be stored in each room.

Blissfully_Organised_Number_2
Blissfully_Organised_Number_3

FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS 

Keep frequently used items in view i.e. utensils in the kitchen or toiletries in the bathroom.

ALWAYS COMMUNICATE 

Never simply move things without communicating its new home. This can cause a great deal of stress.

Blissfully_Organised_Number_4
Blissfully_Organised_Number_5

LABELLING CAN HELP 

You can label drawers or use photos so they can more easily find what they need in cupboards without having to have everything in view.

UNWANTED ITEMS 

My clients are often reluctant to let things go because they feel that it may be useful one day or is wasteful to throw it away. 

I find it’s very important to reassure a client that the things that they no longer need will be recycled to a valuable new home.

Blissfully_Organised_Number_6

If you need further advice or support on decluttering and organising the living space of a relative in the early stages of dementia please do not hesitate to contact me. 

I would love to support you.

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Later Life Planning: Decluttering to Create an Organised Home for Independent Living

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On Tuesday 23 July 2019 at 8pm we will be chatting LIVE on our Facebook Page to Professional Organiser, Tracy Ross of Blissfully Organised about decluttering and organisation for a tidy home, work and living space.

Declutter_Talk_Banner

The home of someone living with dementia may have become cluttered because of a change in habit i.e. they prefer to keep their possessions where they can see them rather than store them away and risk not being able to find them or because they have lost the ability to look after their living space.

I wanted to share my experience of working with families in the early stages of dementia to create a safe living environment for longer independent living

 

Difficulties of Living in A Cluttered Environment

Living in a cluttered environment can make day to day living more difficult and confusing for someone with dementia.

It may cause: 

  1. Increased anxiety and stress from not being able to find what they need
  2. Increased confusion as useless things become mixed up with important items
  3. Increased risk of tripping as it becomes more difficult to differentiate one object from another
  4. Increased hygiene risk as it’s more difficult to clean a cluttered space
  5. Increased fire risk making emergency access more difficult

 

The Importance Of An Uncluttered and Simplified Home

Creating an uncluttered and simplified home can help to increase the chances of someone living with dementia to maintain independence for longer, in a safe environment. They can continue to perform daily tasks and avoid situations which may cause confusion.

In early dementia it is common for an individual to mislay items around the home and become upset about not finding the things that they need.

I have worked closely with my clients’ adult children or carers to create a new simplified living environment. This can be a stressful and emotional time for everyone. I have found that it works better if the changes can be made in the early stages when they are more likely to understand the need for it. At this stage they can be involved with the decision-making process of where to keep key items and making decisions on which items are important to keep and those that they no longer need.

 

Blissfully Organised’s Top Tips to Create an Uncluttered and Safe Living Space

Blissfully_Organised_Number_1

ACTION PLAN 

Create a decluttering and organisation action plan for each room. The objective is to create a safe and comfortable living space. Understand the items that are important to them and their daily routine – medicines, keys, toiletries, clothing and kitchen essentials (their favourite mug etc). Once you know which items are essential you can start to eliminate unnecessary items. Simplifying the number of items will make it easier to find what they need, i.e. in the kitchen you can reduce the number of cups, plates, cutlery, glasses to the minimum required. In the bathroom you can simplify the items to have one of each, i.e. shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, soap, hairbrush etc.

Blissfully_Organised_Number_2

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING 

Designate fixed locations for everything in the home, i.e. medicines, glasses, keys etc. 

Agree where key items should be stored in each room.

Blissfully_Organised_Number_3

FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS 

Keep frequently used items in view i.e. utensils in the kitchen or toiletries in the bathroom.

Blissfully_Organised_Number_4

ALWAYS COMMUNICATE 

Never simply move things without communicating its new home. This can cause a great deal of stress.

Blissfully_Organised_Number_5

LABELLING CAN HELP 

You can label drawers or use photos so they can more easily find what they need in cupboards without having to have everything in view.

Blissfully_Organised_Number_6

UNWANTED ITEMS 

My clients are often reluctant to let things go because they feel that it may be useful one day or is wasteful to throw it away. 

I find it’s very important to reassure a client that the things that they no longer need will be recycled to a valuable new home.

If you need further advice or support on decluttering and organising the living space of a relative in the early stages of dementia please do not hesitate to contact me. 

I would love to support you.

Tracy_Ross_Declutterer

Tracy Ross

Professional Organiser

Blissfully Organised

tracy@blissfullyorganised.co.uk

Tel: 07818 423 376

www.blissfullyorganised.co.uk

Check out our Facebook Live with Tracy Ross on Tuesday 23 July at 8.00pm

Tracy will be answering any questions that you have live and we will be chatting all things decluttering.

If you are unable to join us for the live please send in your questions and we will do our best to get through these during the session.

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Why Do YOU need an LPA? 5 reasons YOU should put your LPA in place

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5 reasons
YOU should put your
LPA in place

You will know by now that here at TLC we are passionate about EVERYONE having Lasting Powers of Attorney in place! Contrary to popular belief they are not just something that should be considered as we get older.

So, we have set out below our FIVE top reasons for getting your LPAs in place. This is, of course, just the tip of the iceberg and there are many many more reasons but these should be enough to prompt you…

LPA_Peace_Of_Mind

Having PEACE OF MIND is paramount.

Knowing that all of your property & financial affairs and your health & welfare decisions are in order and can be dealt with by your Attorneys, should you be unable to do so – whether that be because you are physically unable to or because you lack the capacity to do so – will not only put your own mind at ease but will also remove the emotional and financial burden from your loved ones should the situation arise that your LPA is needed.

Taking the decision to put your Lasting Powers of Attorney in place means that you have the control.

YOU DECIDE who you want to appoint as your Attorneys (and can also appoint replacement Attorneys). 

If you do not put LPAs in place and your loved ones/caregivers are put in a situation where an application has to be made to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy to make decisions on your behalf, then the Court will decide who to appoint and this may not be the person/people that you would have chosen.

LPA_Your_Choice
LPA_Give_Specifics

Putting your LPAs in place means that you are able to GIVE SPECIFICS not only as to who you want to appoint as Attorneys but also in relation to how they will act; whether they can take decision on their own or whether decisions must be made unanimously by all Attorneys, or perhaps some decisions are to be taken by a specific Attorney or unanimously – this can all be provided for.

Your LPAs will also state when they can be used, whether this will be immediately or only when you lose capacity to make decisions.

You can also state your preferences and put in any restrictions that you want your Attorneys to abide by, giving you the ultimate control and peace of mind.

Putting your Lasting Powers of Attorney in place and getting them registered whilst you still have capacity is so important – TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

You are unable to register your LPAs once you have lost capacity and so your loved ones/caregivers will have to make an application to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy to make decisions on your behalf, then the Court will decide who to appoint and this may not be the person/people that you would have  chosen. This process will take a minimum of four months – all whilst important (and urgent!) decisions cannot be made.

LPA_Time
LPA_Costs

The COSTS of putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place pale into insignificance compared to the costs involved in making an application to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy to make decisions on your behalf. The application fee for the Court of Protection is currently £385 and this does not include any legal costs involved in drafting, finalising and lodging the application nor dealing with any questions or possible  objections.

The office of the Public Guardian charges a fee of £82 to register each LPA and each individual should register two LPAs – Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch for a FREE consultation.

If you would like a FREE chat to discuss your options, get in touch on info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk or 01727 865 121

Leah Waller

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5 reasons
YOU should put your
LPA in place

You will know by now that here at TLC we are passionate about EVERYONE having Lasting Powers of Attorney in place! Contrary to popular belief they are not just something that should be considered as we get older.

So, we have set out below our FIVE top reasons for getting your LPAs in place. This is, of course, just the tip of the iceberg and there are many many more reasons but these should be enough to prompt you…

LPA_Peace_Of_Mind

Having PEACE OF MIND is paramount.

Knowing that all of your property & financial affairs and your health & welfare decisions are in order and can be dealt with by your Attorneys, should you be unable to do so – whether that be because you are physically unable to or because you lack the capacity to do so – will not only put your own mind at ease but will also remove the emotional and financial burden from your loved ones should the situation arise that your LPA is needed.

LPA_Your_Choice

Taking the decision to put your Lasting Powers of Attorney in place means that you have the control.

YOU DECIDE who you want to appoint as your Attorneys (and can also appoint replacement Attorneys). 

If you do not put LPAs in place and your loved ones/caregivers are put in a situation where an application has to be made to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy to make decisions on your behalf, then the Court will decide who to appoint and this may not be the person/people that you would have chosen.

LPA_Give_Specifics

Putting your LPAs in place means that you are able to GIVE SPECIFICS not only as to who you want to appoint as Attorneys but also in relation to how they will act; whether they can take decision on their own or whether decisions must be made unanimously by all Attorneys, or perhaps some decisions are to be taken by a specific Attorney or unanimously – this can all be provided for.

Your LPAs will also state when they can be used, whether this will be immediately or only when you lose capacity to make decisions.

You can also state your preferences and put in any restrictions that you want your Attorneys to abide by, giving you the ultimate control and peace of mind.

LPA_Time

Putting your Lasting Powers of Attorney in place and getting them registered whilst you still have capacity is so important – TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

You are unable to register your LPAs once you have lost capacity and so your loved ones/caregivers will have to make an application to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy to make decisions on your behalf, then the Court will decide who to appoint and this may not be the person/people that you would have  chosen. This process will take a minimum of four months – all whilst important (and urgent!) decisions cannot be made.

LPA_Costs

The COSTS of putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place pale into insignificance compared to the costs involved in making an application to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy to make decisions on your behalf. The application fee for the Court of Protection is currently £385 and this does not include any legal costs involved in drafting, finalising and lodging the application nor dealing with any questions or possible  objections.

The office of the Public Guardian charges a fee of £82 to register each LPA and each individual should register two LPAs – Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch for a FREE consultation.

If you would like a FREE chat to discuss your options, get in touch on info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk or 01727 865 121

Leah Waller

Have a Question or
want to book a 
FREE Consultation? 

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TLC talks to…A MIDWIFE

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TLC talks to...
A MIDWIFE

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Last week we were joined LIVE on our Facebook Page by the amazing, and very knowledgeable, Louise Brennan of Louise’s Antenatal Classes.

Louise is a qualified Midwife, registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and a member of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). As a practising midwife, Louise is able to demonstrate evidence-based knowledge on all aspects of Midwifery Care and has been running private antenatal classes since 2006.

We had a great chat with Louise and a mix of questions that were sent in prior to going live and then answered lots of questions that were posted by the many viewers throughout the talk.

Below we set out some of the questions and responses, but if you want to catch up with the video CLICK HERE!

Louise’s contact details are below should you have any other questions, please do get in touch with her, she is very helpful and knowledgeable.

So for the questions and the all important answers (I have paraphrased some of this ;))…

What is involved in the one-to-one Antenatal Classes that you provide and how long do they last?

The sessions last around 4-5 hours, taken at the pace of those involved including lots of breaks and the Refresher classes last 2-3 hours as they are the experts by this point but they do want refreshers on certain areas such pain relief.

It varies between couples and what they want, I have done classes that last a lot longer depending on what is needed and what they want, it is important to give them the time that they need.

Things change between births in policies and procedures and so between babies things can change and refreshers are needed and important.

What should you be doing when you first find out that you pregnant?

BE REALLY HAPPY, IT IS AMAZING TO BE PREGNANT!

Book in with your midwife as soon as possible as this can now be done online so that you do not need to wait for your GP to refer you and things will happen a lot quicker. Midwives like to be booked in by around 9 weeks so that everything can be done early and ready for your scan at about 11 weeks.

“I treat a lot of pregnant ladies as a physio and I tell my patients if they don’t feel the baby moving as much as usual they must get checked out but they worry about using up midwives time! I tell them midwives WANT them to get checked out and I’d like to know how Lou feels about this too please”

ABSOLUTELY, we want to see ladies and their babies! The only real way we know how the baby is doing is by their movements.

A baby that is happy and healthy will move lots, a baby that may not be as happy will conserve its energy and may stop moving.

So, what we look out for is a DECREASE in movement, an INCREASE in movement or a CHANGE in the pattern and if this is experienced then GET IN TOUCH with your hospital or Triage straight away, don’t just wait until your next appointment.

What are some of the common fears and worries?

Most people are worried about the labour and what to expect as well as the options of pain relief and I like to go through all of this in my classes and give them the knowledge on all of the different options that are available.

However, nothing can prepare you for the next 18 years!

Where would you go for good sources of information?

I would recommend:

  • NHS Choices website
  • NHS Symptoms Checker
  • Individual Hospital Websites

Leah’s book (BabySteps: A Guide to Maternity Leave & Maternity Pay) was also recommended for legal rights on Maternity Leave and Maternity Pay.

Important things to remember:

  • Keep your Antenatal appointments
    • This will check everything is okay
    • Reassure you
  • Antenatal Classes
    • Can go through any additional questions
    • Looks at Birth Plans
    • Talk about exactly what you want and get prepared

Are you seeing an increase in women Hypnobirthing?

Yes, hypnobirthing can be used in different circumstances, not just labour. I have also seen it used by people who have used hypnobirthing in elective cesarean sections.

It is all about mindset and keeping you focussed and relaxed during labour.

What happens once you have had the baby?

You should get automatically transferred to the Community Midwife, even if you don’t have your baby at your catchment hospital.

If you haven’t heard from the Community Midwife then you can chase this up by calling the ward.

My top tips are:

  • Try and sleep when the baby does and the baby will want to feed at night time – due to hormones – and so you need to try and sleep when the baby does as you will be up at night time doing the feeds.
  • Ask your visitors for help. Ask for help with you too, preparing food, cleaning etc.

Let people help! People will want to help and cook for you, wash and clean, so let them do that.

  • Don’t be worried about using pain relief!

Depending on your procedure you may well be given pain relief by the hospital.

You can take paracetamol after pregnancy and during.

You cannot take ibuprofen during pregnancy but you can after pregnancy.

What do Birth Reflections entail?

Birth reflections are useful when there are complications in the birth or feel upset or traumatised by the birth. It may also be to look at what happened and why the complications happened. Sometimes this only comes back to the forefront when a second pregnancy happens or when they think about having another child.

We can have access to the hospital notes although it is not always necessary as sometimes we can go through the procedure and how they felt.

We go through some of the reasons why the complications may have happened and what can be done to change this next time.

If there is something very specific to a hospital or staff members then I recommend going back to that hospital as they may offer some support that will be much more specific.

What do you enjoy most about the one-to-one classes?

I enjoy the one-to-one time rather than having to share the attention amongst everyone. You can really get to know the couple and spending time to find things out and work through their concerns and see them grow throughout the class.

The best bit about all of it is hearing back from them after the birth and seeing the photos!

Where can people go to find groups that may be in similar circumstances?

People may use Facebook groups or already have family and friends around them at a similar stage in their life.

There may well be local groups and classes that advertise.

I am also hoping to start some classes in the next few weeks, in St Albans, to get mums meeting up together. I will be starting this with the mums that I have done classes with but then open this up to everyone – mums, dads, aunties, uncles, grandparents, anyone with babies and toddlers.

“Are there any benefits going for a VBAC after a c-section?”

If you have a cesarean then it does not mean that you will have to the next time round, it will completely depend on the circumstances.

It may well be that next time you want to have a natural birth, if possible.

A natural delivery usually has a quicker recovery time as compared to a cesarean.

A VBAC class can talk through your options for a further delivery.

“Is there support out there for mums that have been through a traumatic labour? I had a bad time with my first and it really petrified me when I had my 2nd”

This is where I would definitely recommend a Birth Reflection as it is so important to talk it through and this can sometimes take two sessions as it is hard to talk about.

Often a first labour is the hardest and so talking about this can definitely help with a second.

What is the best part of your job?

It is so nice getting to know a couple throughout their pregnancy and then if you get to help deliver that baby, it is magical!

It never gets old, seeing a baby being born.

I really enjoy postnatal care and spending time with them and helping with any issues that they may have.

Thank you so much Louise!

Louise also prepared a great article for us on her:

Top Tips for preparing for the arrival of your Baby.

Louise_Brennan_Midwife

 

 

Louise Brennan

 

http://www.louantenatal.com/

 

07944 996566

 

louise@louantenatal.com

Leah Waller

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Godparents & Guardians: What is the difference?

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Godparents & Guardians: What is the difference?

So, you may have appointed Godparents for your children, whether in a religious ceremony or informally, but…

  • what does that mean? 
  • does that impose a legal obligation?
  • should you still appoint guardians?
  • can your guardians and godparents be different?
  • how is best to protect your children should you no longer be around?

Let’s take a look at these questions and have a look at what would happen to your children should the awful situation arise that their parents were no longer able to take care of them whilst they are still a minor.

There is an important distinction between Godparents and Guardians…no matter what we would like to think or would like to happen in an ideal world.

So, first things first…Godparents have no legal right or obligation to take care of your children, either during your lifetime or when you are no longer around. However, Guardians (appointed in your Will) do have a legal responsibility to take care of your children when you are no longer able to.

What is the role of a Godparent?

Being asked to be a Godparent is an absolute privilege (having three godchildren myself, I should know :)) but what does it mean?

A Godparent, whether present at a Christening Ceremony or Baptism, or asked informally, take a spiritual responsibility for their Godchild, whether that be in relation to the religious upbringing and spiritual upbringing or just generally being a close influence and role model for the child.

Godparents_Guardians

Appointing Guardians

Even where you have appointed Godparents for your children, you should still be appointing Guardians for them in your Will to ensure that they are taken care of, as you intended and by the people you trust most, should the worst happen and you no longer be around.

Your Guardian will only step into the role of having parental responsibility for your child should something happen to both you and their other parent – even if you are divorced, or separated, parental responsibility will trump a Guardian appointed in a Will.

If you want some more information on choosing the right Guardians, why not check out our article, written by Neil on how he chose the Guardians for his children?

Can your Guardians and Godparents be the same?

Yes!

Godparents are usually appointed when children are quite young and are rarely changed.

However, Guardians should be reviewed throughout your lifetime. The Guardians that you appoint when your children are young may be very different as they grow up and as the Guardians grow older too. For example, many people would choose their own parents as Guardians whilst their children are young, especially where you have a great relationship with your parents and they have an active role in their grandchild’s life, however, as your children grow up, your parents will grow older too and may not be able to take on the responsibility of bringing up your children should you no longer be around. That’s okay…your Guardians can be reviewed and changed at any time and we always recommend reviewing your Will every 3-5 years and so reviewing your Guardians at this time is ideal too.

Speaking to your proposed Guardians…

Speaking to your proposed Guardians may seem like a difficult conversation BUT imagine losing your loved ones and then finding out that you are now responsible for their children with NO PRIOR WARNING! Not ideal!

So, having that conversation with your proposed Guardians to discuss why you would like to appoint them and ensure they are comfortable with the decision and also to discuss any concerns or queries they may have so that everyone is on the same page is so important, not to mention being able to put everyone at ease and give you peace of mind.

It is important that your proposed Guardians know exactly what is involved and what their legal responsibilities are, as well as knowing how you want your children being brought up whether that be in relation to their education, home life, general welfare or anything else.

If you would like to discuss your Will and potential Guardians, call us on 01727 865 121 or email us at info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk for a free discussion on how we can help.

Leah Waller

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Midwife, Louise Brennan, gives Top Tips for preparing for the arrival of your Baby

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Midwife, Louise Brennan, gives Top Tips for preparing for the arrival of your Baby

 

On Tuesday 25 June 2019 at 8pm we will be chatting LIVE on our Facebook Page to Louise Brennan about all things pregnancy, antenatal, birth, postnatal and birth reflections…

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Hi I’m Louise. I’m a midwife delivering a range of antenatal and postnatal services. I offer –

  • Antenatal classes for first time parents;
  • Antenatal classes for parents who already have children;
  • Postnatal support; and
  • Birth Reflections.

The aim of my antenatal classes is for the couple to understand the process of birth and to discuss the realities of having a baby while building confidence in their ability to birth their baby.

Here are my top tips on preparing for the arrival of your new baby:

Midwife_Number_1

Attend all your antenatal appointments. During your appointments, important checks are made on you and your baby to ensure you are both well. This is also an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.

Buy things gradually – babies are expensive! To help spread the cost, shop throughout your pregnancy for the essentials that you will need such as nappies and wipes. Check your local supermarket for when baby products are on deal and bulk buy then.

Midwife_Number_2
Midwife_Number_3

Buy eco-friendly if you can! We do need to look after our planet and there are changes we can all make. There are eco-friendly companies selling nappies and wipes that are environmentally friendly. Again, buy throughout your pregnancy. These are also practical gifts that your friends and family can buy for you to help out or as baby shower gifts.

Enjoy your time together – If this is your first baby, enjoy time together as a couple before baby arrives. Couples will often have one last holiday together, a babymoon! It maybe your last chance for a little while!

Midwife_Number_4
Midwife_Number_5

Prepare your other children – If this is a subsequent pregnancy, you will have another child/children to think about. A new baby can be an exciting but stressful time for siblings. Keep them involved in your pregnancy with things like feeling the baby move and talking/singing to your bump.

Book your antenatal classes! Antenatal classes are vital for preparing you for labour, birth and what happens after your baby is born. They will help you make decisions as where to you like to have your baby and options for pain relief. There are lots of different types of antenatal classes so you need to choose one that suits you both. If you want a group class, book early to avoid disappointment!

Midwife_Number_6

My antenatal classes are one to one sessions and are held in the comfort of your home. You can choose the time and date of your class and you can ask all the questions you wish!

For more information on my antenatal classes, please go to www.louantenatal.com

Midwife_Talk_Advert

Hi I’m Louise. I’m a midwife delivering a range of antenatal and postnatal services. I offer –

  • Antenatal classes for first time parents;
  • Antenatal classes for parents who already have children;
  • Postnatal support; and
  • Birth Reflections.

The aim of my antenatal classes is for the couple to understand the process of birth and to discuss the realities of having a baby while building confidence in their ability to birth their baby.

Here are my top tips on preparing for the arrival of your new baby:

Midwife_Number_1

Attend all your antenatal appointments. During your appointments, important checks are made on you and your baby to ensure you are both well. This is also an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.

Midwife_Number_2

Buy things gradually – babies are expensive! To help spread the cost, shop throughout your pregnancy for the essentials that you will need such as nappies and wipes. Check your local supermarket for when baby products are on deal and bulk buy then.

Midwife_Number_3

Buy eco-friendly if you can! We do need to look after our planet and there are changes we can all make. There are eco-friendly companies selling nappies and wipes that are environmentally friendly. Again, buy throughout your pregnancy. These are also practical gifts that your friends and family can buy for you to help out or as baby shower gifts.

Midwife_Number_4

Enjoy your time together – If this is your first baby, enjoy time together as a couple before baby arrives. Couples will often have one last holiday together, a babymoon! It maybe your last chance for a little while!

Midwife_Number_5

Prepare your other children – If this is a subsequent pregnancy, you will have another child/children to think about. A new baby can be an exciting but stressful time for siblings. Keep them involved in your pregnancy with things like feeling the baby move and talking/singing to your bump.

Midwife_Number_6

Book your antenatal classes! Antenatal classes are vital for preparing you for labour, birth and what happens after your baby is born. They will help you make decisions as where to you like to have your baby and options for pain relief. There are lots of different types of antenatal classes so you need to choose one that suits you both. If you want a group class, book early to avoid disappointment!

My antenatal classes are one to one sessions and are held in the comfort of your home. You can choose the time and date of your class and you can ask all the questions you wish!

For more information on my antenatal classes, please go to www.louantenatal.com

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A WELCOME CHANGE: FCA to regulate prepaid Funeral Plans

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A WELCOME CHANGE:
FCA to regulate prepaid Funeral Plans

The Government has recently announced their intention to regulate the prepaid Funeral Planning market and we could not be happier!

Regulated_Funeral_Plans

This is a great step for the public as a whole. 

This is a result of enquiries by HM Treasury that have found some customers are being caused a detriment when dealing with the Funeral Planning sector. Although, it is clear that most of these examples given by HM Treasury, occurred in the section of the Funeral Planning market that is not regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority.

We would like to take this opportunity to reassure all of our lovely clients, that we have only ever used providers that ARE supervised by the Funeral Planning Authority when advising and arranging prepaid Funeral Plans.

We are pleased that the Funeral Planning market is going to be regulated and think that this will not only provide certainty and security for clients and customers but is also a step forward for all of us that work within this sector. Knowing that the products we advise upon and arrange are the right fit for our clients and they are fully informed is always a priority of ours and so nothing will change in terms of our practice but it will be good to know that others will have to follow suit and uphold a level of expertise in the area, ensuring security for all clients and customers.

It is not yet clear exactly how such regulation will take place but we will of course embrace the changes that we are keen to see take place in the near future and are looking forward to the market reputation increase.

If you have any questions about an existing Funeral Plan or want a chat about putting one in place, get in touch for a FREE consultation on 
Info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk or 01727 865 121

Leah Waller

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Probate & Estate Administration: What does it mean?

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Probate & Estate Administration:
What does it mean?

At one point or another we will all have come across the term PROBATE or ESTATE ADMINISTRATION but what does it actually mean?

It is one of those questions that we have all had but may seem silly to ask…it isn’t!

Probate_Estate_Administration

PROBATE is the legal term for ‘proving the Will’ and this is done by applying to the Probate Registry for a Grant of Representation (also known as a Grant of Probate) to administer the Estate of the deceased.

 

ESTATE ADMINISTRATION is the term used to describe the sorting out of the deceased’s Estate following their death. Their Estate includes all of their possessions, property, money, savings, investments and anything else that they own or have an interest in. Their Estate may also have liabilities, such as debts (credit cards, utilities a mortgage), that require attention to. The Estate may also have tax liabilities (Inheritance Tax, Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax etc.) and this will also be dealt with as part of the Estate Administration.

 

Probate is often used as an overall term to describe the entire process, from obtaining the Grant of Probate through to administering the Estate, by collecting in all the assets, paying off the liabilities and tax, and distributing the Estate in accordance with the Will or the Rules of Intestacy (where there was no valid Will).

Estate Administration can be carried out by the Executor (as appointed under the Will) or a Representative of the deceased (where there is no Will and that Representative has applied for Letters of Administration), or can be carried out by professionals. In some circumstances the Executors or Representatives may require assistance of a specialist, especially where the Estate is complex or they have not had any dealings with such a situation.

It is worth remembering that Estate Administration takes a significant amount of time, with it being estimated that loved ones spend in excess of  50 hours dealing with Estate Administration where a specialist is not instructed.

In addition to this, those that carry out the Estate Administration themselves are personally liable for any mistakes that they make during the Estate Administration process.

If you are considering carrying out the Estate Administration yourself, you may find our Checklist for Executors helpful.

 

REMEMBER…You don’t have to do everything alone, ask for help as and when you need it!

If you would like to have a free chat, please contact us on  info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk or 01727 865 121

Leah Waller

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Will your inheritance be lost to Care Fees or can it be avoided?

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Will your inheritance be lost to Care Fees or can it be avoided?

Most of us work hard for the majority of our lives and when our time comes, we hope to leave an inheritance for our children or our families.

But…what about Care Home fees? What if we have no other option but to go into a Care Home, it may not be necessary for all of us, but a large proportion of us will have to because of our care requirements.

So, who pays for the care?

Care_Requests

In the UK, those over the age of 65s make in excess of 1.3million requests each year for care and support.

A recent report (following a Freedom of Information Act Request) found that, across 205 Local Authorities:

  • 31% of over 65’s in Care received fully funded care; and
  • 53% of over 65’s in Care received partially funded care.

When broken down into regions, the report found:

 

Region

Percent of Over 65s receiving fully funded care

East

68%

East Midlands

17%

London

39%

North East

11%

North West

23%

Scotland

22%

South East

28%

South West

45%

Wales

16%

West Midlands

19%

Yorkshire

33%

You will see there is great disparity in the number of individuals that receive funding across the regions. So, is it a postcode lottery?

With Local Authorities only providing fully funded care in 31% of cases across Great Britain, what does that mean for the rest?

The eligibility criteria, for care funding, in Great Britain differ for England & Northern Ireland to Scotland and Wales. Here we will concentrate on England & Northern Ireland (if you require information for Scotland or Wales, please do get in touch).

To assess an individual’s eligibility for care funding the Local Authority will carry out a means-tested assessment and consider the income and capital of the individual applying for the funding.

The means-tested assessment will differ depending on whether the care required is to take place in the individual’s own home or whether the individual needs to move into a Care Home.

Where the individual is able to stay in their own home, with care and support, then the value of the individual’s property will not be included within the capital valuation.

Where the individual needs to move in to a Care Home, the value of the individual’s property will be included within the valuation. Where this property is still required for a surviving spouse to live in then this may be excluded from the valuation.

Now, for the finances:

  • You will have to fully fund YOUR OWN care fees if…
    • your capital means are assessed above £23,250; or
    • if your capital is under £23,250 but you have a weekly income that is high enough to cover the cost of your care
  • You will have to partially fund YOUR OWN care fees if…
    • your capital means are assessed between £14,250 and £23,250; or

You will pay £1 towards your care for every £250 of savings that you have  between £14,250 and £23,250

  • You MAY receive funding for care fees if…
    • Your capital means are assessed at less that £14,250

BUT…you may have to contribute from your income. However, you must be left with at least £24.90 per week (Personal Expenses Allowance for 2019/20) although the Local Authority may consider increasing this allowance if there are specific property-related expenses that the individual is responsible for or if the individual is also supporting a spouse.

Your property value may be ignored for a period of 12-weeks, when you first move into care, for the purpose of the means-tested assessment but following this period, it will be taken into account (as per the above).

So, does this mean that your property will need to be sold, in order to pay for care costs?

Not always, BUT…

Where you do have to fund your own care costs, the Local Authority may agree to a Deferred Payment Agreement (rather than sale of the property straight away) and this will mean that the care costs will be paid to the Local Authority when the house is sold or when the individual dies, meaning that the property can remain in the family, but will have a charge over it in favour of the Local Authority.

So, where does that leave you?

The same report considered above, found that just 21% of those over the age of 55 had made any provision for their future care costs and 44% said that they would use their savings and investments, with 40% thinking that their pension would be enough to cover the costs.

If you would like to consider your options and what can be done to give you peace of mind and avoid the loss of your Estate, and ultimately your family’s inheritance, get in touch!

In this article we have not considered NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding and if you require more information on this then please do get in touch with Leah Waller who has extensive experience in applications and appeals in relation to NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding. Keep your eyes peeled for future articles in relation to this.

 

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one moving into care, or want to get some plans in place, get in touch for a FREE chat on info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk or 01727 865 121

Leah Waller

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