helping seniors live well in later life

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Tag: Planning Change

  • 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! 

  • Changing locks at your home

    Changing locks at your home

    Did you know, it’s not an insurance requirement to change the locks on your home when you move.   But think about it.  If you are buying a home, how many other people have had keys?  Will they have returned them to the previous owner to pass on to you?   
     
    Looking at the number of times I declutter houses that have keys for other properties, I know there are plenty of keys hanging around in the wrong places!  They may belong to neighbours, cleaners, former cleaners, other tradespeople.  They probably didn’t keep them on purpose, but you never know! 

    Changing the locks may be an extra cost when you’re already spending money, but for peace of mind and security, it is an invaluable thing to do, whether your insurance company requires it or not.  

  • Your home move survival kit

    Your home move survival kit

    When you move home, there are some things you are going to need, or will need to think about knowing where they are.  Here’s our list: 

    • Items you need from the kitchen the night before your move, during the day of the move and as you arrive, should be packed last so they are off the lorry first.  They are:  kettle, coffee, tea, a couple of plates, glasses and mugs and cutlery.   
    • Kitchen roll 
    • Sponges / cloths / wipes 
    • Bin bags  
    • Measuring tape 
    • Craft knife (to slit open boxes when unpacking) 
    • Medication 
    • Chargers and cables 
    • A suitcase of clothes (we recommend for several days, if not a week, until you are sure you know where everything is!) 
    • An indoor arial – until you can get your broadband / normal home TV arial working.  

    Good luck with your move! 

  • 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! 

  • 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.  

  • Heat Pumps – A Smart Choice for Older People

    Heat Pumps – A Smart Choice for Older People

    This month’s guest blog is written by David Lyons Whyte from Switched On London.  

    As we get older, comfort, safety, saving money, and environmental considerations become more important in our homes. That’s why more and more older adults are turning to heat pumps as a modern solution for heating. Heat pumps are energy-efficient systems that keep your home warm when you need it, without the high costs or hassle of traditional heating systems. They work by extracting ‘free’ heat from the ambient air outside, using a small amount of electricity to amplify it and warm your home. This makes them highly efficient and much cleaner than traditional fossil fuel systems and will contribute to the country meeting the Government’s net zero targets and future proof your home as natural gas is phased out.   

    Another big advantage is that heat pumps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. Instead of the highs and lows you might get with older systems—where it’s too hot one moment and chilly the next—heat pumps provide gentle, steady warmth throughout the day. This not only improves comfort but also uses energy more efficiently, helping you save on bills over time. 

    Unlike gas boilers or electric heaters, heat pumps are safer—no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide—and much quieter, creating a more peaceful home environment. Once installed, they require very little maintenance, which is ideal for anyone who prefers simple living. 

    Here are some examples of why people decided a heat pump was the right choice for their home and situation: 

    • George and Linda, 68 & 70 (downsized to a smaller home): 
      “We moved to a smaller home after retirement. The heat pump keeps it warm without any fuss. It’s quiet and easy to use, and the temperature stays just right.” 
    • Anita, 75 (living alone): 
      “I wanted something reliable. With my new heat pump, I feel safe – no gas, no open flames –  and it works even on cold days. The heat stays constant and comfortable.” 
    • Ron, 80 (environmental concerns): 
      “I wanted to reduce my carbon footprint for my grandchildren’s future. The heat pump helps me do that, and I still stay warm.” 

    Heat pumps are not just for new homes – they can be a fantastic upgrade for those looking for comfort, safety, steady warmth, and savings. They also help reduce carbon emissions, making them a cleaner alternative that helps protect the environment for future generations. And with £7,500 in grants available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, it’s now more affordable than ever to make the switch. It’s well worth exploring whether a heat pump could make life easier and more sustainable in your home. 

  • Guest Blog by Richard Fincher from Room 101

    Guest Blog by Richard Fincher from Room 101

    This week’s guest blog is written by Richard Fincher from Room 101.  

    For the last 700 years, at the Tower of London, at around 10pm, something similar to the following refrain is heard during the changing of the watchman’s shift: 

    “Halt! Who goes there?’ 
    ‘The keys.’ 
    ‘Whose keys?’ 
    ‘Queen Elizabeth’s keys.’ 
    ‘Pass Queen Elizabeth’s keys, all is well.’ 

    What’s the point of a tradition like that? Most traditions can seem pretty pointless and quaint, but they may have served a useful purpose hundreds of years ago, and there was a time when the Tower of London really did keep a silent watch and ward o’er London Town and its Golden Hoard (as W. S. Gilbert once put it.) 

    Today, the last line of defence over each of our personal finances, tends to be a password.   These things go with us everywhere, just like the keys on our key rings, and so it’s quite natural for us to personalise them further with keychains, maybe a Toyota one, or a Tenerife one, or a Trinity College one or even a Tottenham one.  But there’s a big difference here, whilst stealing your key ring requires physical access to it, stealing (or guessing) your password can be done by any of the billions of people in the world with internet access. 

    So, rather than look at passwords like a car number plate (and who wouldn’t want a personalised car number plate rather than a random one), it’s very important to treat them more like biros.  In our lives, we probably use thousands of biros.  They come and go all the time, we’re always losing them, being given new ones, sometimes branded ones, but we seldom get upset upon needing to suddenly switch to using a new biro when we can’t find our present one (unless we’re King Charles of course, but it seems many things irritate him!) 

    When was the last time you changed your passwords?  A year ago? Ten years ago?  Even if you told no one your password, if it’s more than 3 or 4 years old, there’s a good chance it’s appeared on one of the many lists of 300 million stolen passwords which hackers have access to.  There are also now automated password-guessing robots which labour night and day to try all combinations one by one, starting with the obvious ones (such as sports team names, popular children’s names, and so on. 

    So on World Password Day, here is my tip for coming up with a password which is suitably random, but which you can easily remember.   

    First, think of a line from a song, poem, book or movie that you like.  It should be a line containing more than 10 words, for example:  “God Save Our Gracious King, Long Live Our Noble King”.  Next, try picking the first letter of each word as follows:   gsogkllonk – there’s your random password. Try inserting a capital letter or two, or changing one of the characters if you like, for example g$ogklloNK. 

    Richard is an internet guru and knows more about the internet and internet security than most of Silicon Valley put together.  If you need help with DNS, web hosting, email hosting or any other question that is baffling you, he’s your man.  Find him at www.Room101.co.uk 

  • 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