helping seniors live well in later life

033 3014 7053

Tag: Later Life

  • This week’s blog is written by Associated Property Services.

    This week’s blog is written by Associated Property Services.

    A clean, well-presented home makes a lasting impression, whether it’s for a property viewing, a new tenant, or your own family’s comfort.   As it is coming up to the busy Festive Season, here are some practical cleaning tips to keep you as sparkling as your tree!  

    The holidays are full of joy; however, they also bring extra guests, decorations, food, and, let’s face it, some mess. A bit of planning can help you stay on top of it without feeling overwhelmed. 

    Festive Cleaning Tips: 

    • Declutter Before Decorating: 
      Make space for decorations and gifts by clearing surfaces and storing away unnecessary items. 
    • Create a ‘Guest Ready’ Zone (this varies on the space you have in your home): 
      Keep a basket or hooks by the entrance for shoes, coats and bags, to avoid hallway clutter. 
    • Kitchen Organisation (the family can get involved in this one): 
    • Prep and clean as you cook 
    • Empty bins regularly to avoid odours 
    • Line trays and surfaces with baking paper or mats to make post-meal clean-up faster 
    • Daily Tidy Routine: 
      A quick 10-minute evening clean-up helps keep the home feeling fresh, even during busy hosting days. 
    • Protect Your Home: 
      Use coasters, table runners and floor mats, to minimise spills and damage from festive celebrations. 

    Pro Tip: Schedule a pre-Christmas deep clean and a post-holiday reset. This makes entertaining less stressful and helps the new year start on a fresh note. 

    About APS Cleaning Services 

    At APS Cleaning Services, we’re proud to be a family-run business based in South London, built on trust, reliability, and personal service. For the past five years, our reputation has grown through recommendations, referrals, and word of mouth, a true reflection of the care we put into every clean. 

    We believe that great cleaning starts with clear communication and a friendly approach. That’s why we provide a detailed end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist, giving you peace of mind that nothing is missed. And if something doesn’t go exactly to plan – whether a cleaner is running a little late or we notice an issue at the property – we’ll always be open and transparent with you. 

    Our services include: 

    • End-oftenancy cleaning 
    • One-off deep cleans 
    • Pre-Christmas deep cleans & post-holiday resets or parties 
    • Carpet cleaning 
    • Window cleaning 

    Whether you’re preparing a property for new tenants or getting your home sparkling for the festive season, our team is here to make the process smooth, stress-free, and reliable. Give our team a call on 07565 455836 or email us at info@associatedpropertyservices.com 

    Let’s get your property looking its best. APS does not cut corners, we clean them! 

  • The worst part of a home move

    The worst part of a home move

    For me, in my past life as a serial renter, it was always the ‘not knowing’ where I would live next.  You are given notice on your flat, or you give notice (for whatever reason) and you have a date to leave, but you don’t necessarily have somewhere to go to.  That was always stressful.   

    Last month, we helped someone who moved out of her property to have it refurbished, and she lived temporarily in rented accommodation.  We decluttered before she left, but because she was returning, she knew there was space for all the possessions that had come out. The incentive to fully declutter, therefore, was not really there.  All my clients take more than they should when downsizing as until you experience with your own eyes, all your possessions coming out of the multitude of boxes, it is hard to envisage just how much you have.   In this case, the number of boxes, even with help to unpack, has almost broken her.   

    For other clients, the worst part is the solicitors and estate agents, and all the questions; you’ve lived there a long time and you know the house is fine – why can’t your buyer see that?  Their solicitor has a duty to make sure that it ticks all the boxes for current regulations and that they are not opening a can of worms down the line.  

    In some cases, it can be the thought of ‘starting again’, especially in later life.   The happy home you had with all those lovely memories is gone.  But it is a chance to start afresh and enjoy your new place.  Take things with you that remind you of those good times, but remember that your move is happening to help you live a safe and happy life as you age, and new fun memories will be created there too.  

    Whatever your concerns with your home move, we can help support you through it and take away all the practical worries – and hopefully many of the emotional ones too! 

  • Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney? 

    Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney? 

    This month’s guest blog is written by Katheirne Carroll from Peacock & Co Solicitors.

    Most people realise that they need to put a Will in place but whilst this sets out how your estate will be dealt with after you die, it is of no use whilst you are still alive.  

    To ensure you are adequately cared for in your lifetime as you get older, you need a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). 

    What is an LPA? 
    This is a legal document whereby you appoint someone else (your attorney) to make decisions about your finances, property, money, health or welfare at some point when you might need it. There are two sorts of LPA – one to cover property and finance decisions and one to cover health and welfare decisions. You can put one of them in place, or both – they are separate documents. 

    Do I need an LPA? 
    More of us are now living longer but this means we may well suffer poor health in later life, perhaps requiring some form of care, and also help with finances. If you have a stroke or dementia then you might think it is automatic that a family member can assist you, but this isn’t the case – they need legal authority. 

    When should I put an LPA in place? 
    The sooner the better!  You must have mental capacity to put an LPA in place so it is better not to leave it to the last minute as we can never predict when we may have health problems. 

    What if I don’t have an LPA and lose mental capacity? 
    Without an LPA, your family will have to apply to the Court of Protection to gain authority to help you (called a Deputyship). The court decides who will be appointed and this might not be someone you would choose. This can take many months, during which time, your finances cannot be managed. Also, Deputyships are very rarely granted for health decisions, which leaves you vulnerable. 

    When does an LPA take effect and when should I put one in place? 
    An LPA only becomes effective when it is registered by the Office of the Public Guardian and activated. As this can take twelve weeks or so, it is better to have it registered as soon as it is signed. It is best not to restrict the LPA with instructions that reduce the flexibility of attorneys in an emergency, for instance if you have a stroke or an accident.  As an example, you may never lose mental capacity but you might have physical difficulties where perhaps you can’t sign your name on cheques any longer and therefore need an LPA in place. 

    Who can I choose as my attorney? 
    Most people over 18 can be your attorney and they don’t have to be in the UK. It is important to choose someone you trust, which may be a family member, but equally can be a friend or a professional. You can have more than one person, as well as substitutes. They will act as your agent in making decisions about your finances and health; however, they cannot make a Will for you, consent to marriage or divorce, or make large gifts (say for estate planning). 

    I have an EPA – is this still valid? 
    Prior to October 2007, we had Enduring Powers of Attorney rather than LPAs. Those created are still valid, although an LPA can be more comprehensive. EPAs don’t cover health decisions, only financial decisions, so if you have one, you might want to consider a health LPA. If you have an EPA, it is worth asking a professional to review it. 

    Do I need a solicitor to draw up my LPA? 
    No you don’t – it is possible to make your LPA yourself online. However, they are easy to get wrong and seeing a solicitor who specialises in this area is invaluable. A solicitor can advise on how to make the LPA as flexible as possible, discuss who should be your attorney bearing in mind your family structure, and how to manage complex assets. 

    If you would like to consider LPAs further, please get in touch. 
    Katherine Carroll 
    Peacock & Co Solicitors 020 8035 0387 katherine.carroll@peacock-law.co.uk  

  • One in, one out!

    One in, one out!

    No one has an infinite amount of space in their home.  And most people tend to acquire ‘stuff’, given that we live more and more in the age of consumerism.  It takes a strong will not to keep accumulating possessions.   Space to live in is more expensive than it’s ever been, so it is a good idea to have a strategy to ensure you don’t become too cluttered.  First you probably need to have a really good clear out.  But after that, how do you stay streamlined and uncluttered? 
     
    One line of thought which is easy to follow is one in and one out.  So this basically means, if you break a cup or give one away you can buy a new one.  If you buy a new book you need to give one away.  Same for cosmetics, shoes, handbags, clothes, stationery, other crockery, toys, tennis rackets, golf clubs – whatever it is that is your thing – if you buy a new one, you need to give one away.  Everything needs to be part of the ‘one in, one out’ philosophy.  

    Are you going to be brave and try it?  If you do, come back and let us know how you get on! 

  • Giving something away day

    Giving something away day

    The 15th July is ‘national give something away day’ in the US.  Well, of course, this is something we approve of, even if it is not ‘observed’ in the UK.  We are always encouraging clients to give away items to charity, on social media or to food banks.  

    What you give, might not be a ‘thing’.  It might be your time or your skills.  And the idea is that you do not expect anything in return.    So have a think about where you could volunteer, or what skills you have that you can share.  Maybe it would be helping a friend with something they are struggling with. 

    Have a think.  And let us know what you do.  

  • Who are we?  

    Who are we?  

    It’s quite difficult for people to know what we are and what we do, but we have years of experience in supporting people.  We are all of the following things for our clients: 

    • A PA  – thinking and planning all of the paperwork. 
    • A bookkeeper – guiding on financial queries, and we are registered with HMRC for this. 
    • A project manager – thinking, planning and strategy is a big part of what we do. 
    • A cleaner – we are often asked to help clear things up and decluttering is a dirty job.  We regularly clean out cupboards in new properties on the day of a move where the people leaving haven’t left it in a nice state.   And when we empty a storage unit, we usually take a vacuum cleaner with us. 
    • A handyman – we are not afraid of a flat pack (putting together or taking apart), or a screwdriver – even an electric one.    
    • A counsellor or therapist – talking things through is important and finding out why possessions are so loved and the stories behind them. 
    • A life coach – moving home is stressful and guidance, support and encouragement are necessary every step of the way. 
    • A solicitor – we don’t do any legal work, but we advise on many things that people need in this area and introduce them to solicitors to do the work. 

    If you need a fairy godmother, a moving home project manager, a declutterer or a later life adviser, we are those and all of the above.  Give us a call and we’ll happily talk to you about how we help.  

  • National Haiku Poetry Day!

    National Haiku Poetry Day!

    As it is National Haiku Poetry Day today,  we asked AI for a bit of help for some relevant haikus, and we love them.  Here they are: 

    Downsizing

    Sorting cherished things
    Memories packed with care
    New beginnings bloom.

    Later life

    Silver strands whisper
    Footsteps slow but hearts still dance
    Sunset glows warmly.

    Decluttering

    Glass crowding the shelves
    Waiting for flowers to come
    Dust fills them instead

  • All of the emotions

    All of the emotions

    Claire Edwards, Registered Nurse and Eldercare Consultant, provides independent care advice to older people and their families. She gives us her thoughts here, having read a newspaper article from a family carer.  

    I recently read a letter to a national newspaper, written and sent by the wife and carer of a gentleman living with dementia. The full range of emotions expressed by her made me reflect on the fact that they are undoubtedly shared by so many spouses the length and breadth of the country – namely love, compassion, exhaustion, frustration, resentment, anger and guilt. 

    The writer is supported by visiting carers four times a day, has received counselling and been offered time out and considers herself to be better off than many people, but after 15 years she feels she is coping badly. She is as mindful of her daughter’s right to live the life she has created for herself as she is of her husband’s wish not to be cared for in a care home, and therein lie her feelings of despair. 

    The response her letter was given by the columnist was equally compelling. She describes humanity, goodness and selflessness, but also delivers a compassionate reminder of just how important it is to accept help offered by close relatives, for that close relative’s sake as well for the health and wellbeing of the care giver. She also points out that there often comes a time when 24-hour care provided by experienced and trained professionals is the right care option. 

    I couldn’t agree more. The message is clear – if you find yourself in this situation, do not be too quick to turn down additional support or close your eyes to alternative care options. You are, after all, only human and a promise made based on historic facts may well need to be revisited in the best interests of the person in need of care. 

    Claire invites anyone who finds themselves in this position and needs practical and emotional support to get in touch. 

    She can be contacted on 07415 387129 or ce@eldercareconsultant.co.uk  www.eldercareconsultant.co.uk  

  • Learning Lounge at Kyn Bickley

    Learning Lounge at Kyn Bickley

    On Thursday 1st May, 5-7pm, why not join us at Kyn Bickley. We will be part of an informative session with Katherine Carroll from Peacock & Co, Claire Edwards owner of Claire Edwards Eldercare Consultant and Mark Barnett from Providence Care.

    The talk will cover making LPAs and Wills and what happens if you don’t have them, financial support, assessments, triggers and personal wishes related to care as well as the practicalities and life admin of moving into care.

    Kyn, Bickley Park Road, Bromley, BR1 2AZ

    Please email KYNBickley@kyn.co.uk to reserve your place.

  • Hacks for seniors

    Hacks for seniors

    Getting older can be a bit annoying. If you have osteoarthritis, you can lose your grip; if you have declining eye sight, you can’t see things as clearly; and your balance may have started to falter.  So here are some easy things that might help you: 

    • Get a small rubber mat or a plastic gripper tool to help you open jars and things.  Often turning it is still hard but if you push a little to the right with the gripper and to the left with your other hand, it can become really easy.  
    • Use a lazy susan in a cupboard so you can get to all your bottles and jars when it becomes harder to reach for things.  
    • If you use shower gel in the shower but handling the bottle is tricky, get a pump action top.  Or if you still like soap, put it in a thin sock, which will make it much easier to grip.  
    • Shower caddies that hang over the taps or levers might save you from slipping if that stops you reaching for stuff.  Even better, if balance is an issue do make sure you have grip handles installed and also a shower seat.  
    • If you can’t always see remote control buttons then you can put a dot of nail varnish on the ones you want to use. In fact, nail varnish is great for marking keys too, so if you are always fumbling between two that look similar, use nail varnish on one of the keys.   
    • Another thing that works for the remote control is to get someone to put masking tape over all the buttons you don’t use, and you can then see the ones you need much more easily.  
    • Get rid of all your rugs – they are the worst trip hazard ever! 
    • If you have an Alexa you can set medication and other reminders.  If you don’t, you can use your smartphone.   I’ve done these for years! 

    We hope you’ve found these useful, and if you need a hand with setting up any of the above, let us know, we can help.