We Talk With Grey Matters Consultancy
We talk with Grey Matters, a local company assisting people to access financial support, such as Attendance Allowance, that is available to them.
Partnering for Better Outcomes: Grey Matters Consultancy, specialists in later-life planning and benefit entitlement
At Home Instead, and as our clients will attest, we believe in going beyond meeting care needs. We strive to improve the overall quality of life for our clients and that includes making connections with other local companies and organisations who work in our industry and making our clients aware of their services if they would be of help. With joined up thinking and support, as a community, we can help older people and their families negotiate new situations. That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with organisations like Grey Matters Consultancy, who share our holistic approach to supporting older adults and those living with complex health conditions.
To fully understand the impact Grey Matters can have on their clients, we met with Grey Matters Founder, Caroline Romano and Tina Hancock who shared with us a recent success story.
Laurie, a gentleman in his 80s living with Parkinson’s disease, who, thanks to Grey Matters and collaboration with his care company, is now more financially secure, and enjoying a better quality of life due to additional funds he secured.
The Challenge
Laurie’s mobility issues made accessing his flat difficult and dangerous. Despite his health challenges, Laurie was only receiving a basic State Pension, with no additional benefits or financial support. This raised concerns about his ability to remain safe and independent at home.
The Grey Matters Approach
Grey Matters took a comprehensive, person-centred approach to Laurie’s situation, working closely with Laurie’s care company, his daughter (his Power of Attorney), and Laurie himself to understand his full circumstances. Here’s how they helped:
✅ 1. Attendance Allowance
Grey Matters submitted an Attendance Allowance claim on Laurie’s behalf. By gathering detailed information from his daughter, they demonstrated how Parkinson’s was impacting his daily life.
Result: Approved at £110.40/week, tax-free and non-means tested.
✅ 2. Pension Credit
Upon reviewing Laurie’s finances, Grey Matters identified he was eligible for Pension Credit, providing him with vital additional income.
Result: Application submitted and successfully approved.
✅ 3. Council Tax Reduction
Laurie’s Parkinson’s diagnosis also made him eligible for a Council Tax Reduction, which his family hadn’t been aware of. Grey Matters took care of the application process.
Result: Significant annual savings.
✅ 4. Blue Badge
Following the approval of Attendance Allowance, Grey Matters helped secure a Blue Badge, allowing Laurie’s daughter to safely transport him to medical appointments.
Result: Improved accessibility and reduced stress for his family.
✅ 5. Housing Support
Recognising the challenges Laurie faced accessing his flat, Grey Matters liaised with the housing provider.
Result: Laurie was successfully moved to a ground floor apartment, dramatically improving his mobility, safety, and independence.
The Impact
Thanks to Grey Matters, Laurie now:
- Receives multiple forms of financial support and entitlements
- Lives in a safer, more accessible home
- Has improved wellbeing and independence
- His additional finances can help him receive consistent, high-quality domiciliary care
- Has a more empowered and informed daughter advocating for his needs
Working Together for Holistic Care
This case demonstrates what can be achieved when care providers and specialist services work hand-in-hand. Grey Matters doesn’t just help clients access what they’re entitled to – they ensure those clients are truly living, not just getting by.
By making our clients aware of organisations like Grey Matters, we can offer not just care but peace of mind, financial security, and a better quality of life for the people we support. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Want to know more?
If you or someone you know could benefit from this kind of joined-up support, contact us today at Home Instead or speak with Grey Matters directly to understand how they can help achieve similar to how they helped Laurie.
Call 033 0134 0166
