Media
For all enquiries from the media, please call: 0844 567 6173
or email admin@solicitorsfortheelderly.com (please note our administrator works part time, so emails are not checked everyday. For urgent enquiries, please call the number above)
Recent press coverage
March 2012
BBCRadio 4's Money Box Live - Exit fees on leasehold retirement homes
Tish Hanifan, barrister and SFE director appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box Live on 12th February, to comment on exit fees charged on leasehold retirement homes by the freehold company. She appeared with Melissa Briggs, Co-Founder of Carlex, the Campaign Against Retirement Leasehold Exploitation. Listeners heard of the tale of Sheila Williams, whose mother died in 2010. She has paid more than £2,000 a year for her mother's empty and unsaleable flat and another £1,400 if she lets it out. These fees are in addition to the obligation to pay ground rent and service charge. The Office of Fair Trading launched an enquiry into charges levied on retirement home nearly two and half years ago, but has still come to no conclusions but they hope to provide an update sometime this spring.
Tish advised callers that leaseholders do need to pay the fees if they have agreed, as they would otherwise be in breach of the lease. She said people should make sure they get specialist legal advice and ask whether the conveyancer has experience of these types of lease. There is also the need for advice to cover lifestyle changes; what if the person needs to move into a care home or they die?
To hear the recording click http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01bw6rv
December 2011
BBC Radio 4 Money Box Live
SFE member, Michael Stennett, of Stennett and Stennett solicitors, answered callers’ questions on the funding of long-term care on 21st December on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme. He did brilliantly and SFE are
grateful to him for giving up his afternoon to promote our organisation.
Callers asked questions about the level of funding, disregards of the home, paying for everyday essentials when local authority support care, deliberate deprivation of assets, continuing NHS health care funding.
You can hear the recording for the next month, following which a written transcript of the show will be available. A link to our web site is on the BBC web site.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/9663385.stm
December 2011
You've been scammed - will writers
SFE member, Helen Clarke wearing her Law Society hat, appeared on the daytime BBC One show, ‘You’ve been scammed’ talking about unregulated will writers. The show featured Terry and Pauline who wanted to get their affairs in order and decided to make a will. But they were then exploited by merciless conmen who persuaded them to hand over their cash and then did a runner.
If you want to listen to the show
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b017ptyk/Youve_Been_Scammed_Will_Writing_Scam/
November 2011
Cardiomyopathy Association Magazine Highlight SFE’s Work
SFE Member, Meinir Evans, has written an article for the cardiomyopathy association magazine, about SFE and how the law works for disabled people. The Cardiomyopathy Association is a charity that provides information and support to families affected by the heart muscle disease cardiomyopathy. Meinir had a heart transplant a couple of years ago, as she had the condition, and takes an active interest in the work of the charity.
The magazine goes out to all members and hospitals, and this edition includes details of SFE’s website.
November 2011
BBC Inside Out - Misrepresentation by Will Writers of Asset Protection Trusts
SFE Chief Executive, Caroline Bielanska appeared on the BBC’s Inside Out East Programme on Monday 24th October, which centred on misrepresentations made by a will writer about asset protection trusts.
David Whiteley investigated whether it is possible to avoid fees for care homes. He interviewed elderly people who they did not understand what they were signing up to, but agreed to pay more than £3000 for one scheme because they were told it could save them thousands of pounds in care fees. Caroline answered questions as to whether they were suitable for all people, whether they work and local authorities approach to such trusts.
To watch the show on i-player click: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b016d7h8
October 2011
Crime and Investigation - Cases of Forged Wills
Member, Mary Butler of Clarions Solicitors did some commentary on the programme, ‘Crime and Investigation’ (Sky and Virgin Network channel), which covered a number of cases involving murder and/or forgery of the purpose of inheriting an estate. If you want to listen to the cases, you can access them on the link below:
http://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/videos.html?ps=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ci%20brand%20terms&utm_term=crime%20investigation
October 2011
BBC Your Money/BBC News Channel/BBC Website
Comments about Powers of Attorney and Banks
Member, Rebecca Haywood of Mayo Wynne Baxter solicitors has been interviewed for the BBC’s "Your Money" programme on Power of Attorneys. It has been shown on the BBC News Channel plus, the BBC website. They are concerned about how poorly the banks understand powers of attorney and she was asked to comment about a client for whose mother she registered an EPA.
The client has had dreadful trouble getting the banks to appreciate that the mother, who has dementia cannot manage her own affairs and they need to deal with him instead.
October 2011
Members comments in The Observer about Powers of Attorney
The Observer has called for the finance industry to clean up its dealings with people trying to exercise power of attorney on behalf of vulnerable relatives.
Their website has seen lots of comments including from member Joanna Addison who acts as attorney or deputy for a number of clients. She says: "I know exactly what I am doing but still find it extremely frustrating trying to deal with the banks who simply don't have a clue and couldn't care less. Lord only knows how much worse it must be for some of my clients who are not used to dealing with the problem."
Member, Sofia Tayton, an associate with Lodders Solicitors, agrees: "The problems I experience with banks and building societies are terrible. The banks do not seem to show any consistency, with each one requiring different ID and sight of different documents, and not having anyone in a branch that you can speak to about these issues."It is so frustrating to deal with these things over the telephone, when you can never speak to the same person twice and end up having to explain who you are and why you're calling over and over again. I'm a professional who knows the jargon. I can only imagine how horrible an experience it is for people who are trying to take care of a relative who is ill or dying."
October 2011
Moneysavings Expert.com
We have worked with the above and Age UK to answer questions on Powers of Attorney. On the matter of legal costs for making a LPA we said,
‘Legal fees vary around
The creation of an LPA is an important decision; making the wrong choice of attorney or not considering the implications of how they are to act, can cost dearly, which is why many people take the benefit of legal advice that always covers what is in the maker’s best interest.
Advice is particularly important if you have assets over £325,000 (including the value of a home), business or farm assets, hold assets in joint names with another person, do not have close family, or are mentally or physically compromised’.
August 2011
David Sinclair, partner in Acorn Solicitors and SFE Director of External Communication, spoke on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire in July, following negative media coverage on will writers and explained why you should use a professionally regulated lawyer to write a will, and SFE’s members particular skills.Member, Susan Midha, Partner with Adams & Remers LLP was on BBC Radio Kent answering callers questions on will writing, following the publication of the Ombudsman’s report and managed to mention the specialist skills of SFE members.
August 2011
The One Show to highlight unregulated will writers
BBC One’s ‘The One Show’ is to cover rogue will writers. At the time of writing the newsletter, we believe it will be shown the week commencing 1st August. SFE members have been actively contributing to the show. Susan Lowe’s clients, of Lowe and Co have come forward to tell their experience of problems and Christopher Partington of Slater Heelis told the programme that he would advise the public to seek out their local lawyer who is a member of SFE or STEP who are lawyers with demonstrated expertise in this area of the law.
August 2011
The One Show highlights problems with Continuing NHS Health Care
Member, Liz Dalgetty of Downs Law answered a problem for the One Show. A viewer's late father who had a stroke that left him with limited use of one hand and limited ability to open his eyes, no speech, no movement, incontinent with a peg feed.
Liz said, “The issue raised by the viewer is in relation to whether their late relative qualified for NHS Continuing Care. This matter is being looked at by the Primary Care Trust retrospectively. If a patient has a primary health need then their care is paid for by the NHS. The issue of care funding is very complex and extremely difficult for families to deal with at an emotional time. My advice would be to attend the meeting and state clearly to the appeal panel where the assessed needs are not agreed. This is sadly very common and families must be encouraged to challenge the decision makers. If the appeal is unsuccessful then the family should be given full details of the further appeal process and to pursue this to the Ombudsman if necessary.
There is help available from specialist solicitors. Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) have a website with useful info and the names and contact details of members nationwide who will be able to help. The Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK also have useful fact sheets on paying for care and in particular NHS Continuing Care.”
July 2011
Press release on perils of DIY probate
Sofia Tayton of Lodders solicitors has drafted a press release for members to use in their locality, warning of the dangers of probate DIYers. Thank you
June 2011
BBC Radio 4 Money Box on funding long term care
SFE CEO, Caroline Bielanska was joined by Philip Spiers from the charity, One Stop and Jean French, advice Manager from Carers UK to answers callers questions during a live radio broadcast on the 18th May. Questions covered assessments; restrictions on eligibility criteria, asset protection trusts and NHS funded care. The BBC web site contains a link to the SFE web site. If you wish to hear the recording or read a transcript of the show click on the link.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/9484059.stm
June 2011
David Cooper: a case study of Financial Abuse
Member, Sheree Green of Anthony Collins LLP has written an excellent and considered article in the Journal of Adult Protection analysing the case of David Cooper, a man with learning difficulties who was befriended and then financial abused by a couple over a number of years. When David died from malnutrition, he had under £150 to his name. The couple who were imprisoned for conspiracy to steal, are also the executors and beneficiaries of his estate, have responsibility to arrange his funeral. His body remains unclaimed. The article is on the SFE website in the media section, which is available to the public to read. Well-done Sheree from all at SFE!
June 2011
Radio Merseyside
Member, Naomi Pinder of
June 2011
SFE Ireland launches
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0624/1224299526187.html
http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0623/elderly.html
May 2011
SFE member Sheree Green written case study on Financial Abuse
Case Study Financial abuse.pdf
May 2011
SFE CEO appearance on BBC Radio 4's Money Box Live programme
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/9484059.stm
May 2011
SFE/AEA Press Release Law Commission recommendations bring adult protection into 21st Century
Law Commission recommendations bring adult protection into the 21st Century
Probate Update Issue 16
The Budget - What's in it for the Elderly Client?
The Budget - Whats in it for the Elderly Client.doc
Probate Update Issue 12
Living Wills: What are they?
Living Wills - What are they.doc
November 2010
SFE CEO article in Daily Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/8305337/Power-of-attorney-chaos-hits-elderly.html
November 2010
SFE press release on lack of training at Banks
Press Release - lack of training at Banks - November 2010.doc
November 2010
SFE article on FT.com
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/85638978-ee6d-11df-8b90-00144feab49a.html#axzz15LZEzRcI
November 2010
SFE CEO article in Law Society Gazette
http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/opinion/letters/the-legal-needs-vulnerable-clients
September 2010
SFE CEO appearance on BBC Radio 4's Money Box Live programme on Power of Attorneys
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/9004904.stm
August 2010
SFE CEO appearance on BBC Radio 4 File on Four programme on Court of Protection costs, particularly when professional deputies are appointed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00t3zb8
August 2010
SFE CEO appearance on BBC Panorama Wills the Final Rip Off?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tfqqj
Panorama Press Release
Panorama and will writers Press Release.doc
July 2010
SFE CEO quoted in The Observer 'Financial planning for the worst'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/jul/04/planning-for-dementia-adviceJuly 2010
SFE CEO, Caroline Bielanska appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme answering listeners’ questions on long term care, in a live half hour session. She was joined by Philip Spires CEO from the charity, ‘OneStop’ and Anna Passingham from Counsel and Care. They answered questions including NHS continuing health care, welfare benefits, state support, valuation of assets and making funds last. If you missed it and have a burning desire to hear it or read a transcript click on the link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/8709567.stm
April 2010
In the last month Chair Caroline Bielanska has spoken to The Daily Mail who did an article on the National Framework for continuing NHS health care (and a further one is planned on the Court of Protection), and spoken to BBC Radio London for half an hour for a live phone in session answering questions on wills.
Fellow SFE director David Sinclair has spoken a TV production company who are looking into stories about crime against older people.
