Why Later Life Planning Matters: A Conversation with Alison Edwards, Later Life Planning Solicitor
Planning for later life
Planning for later life isn’t something most people enjoy thinking about, but it’s one of the kindest and most practical things we can do for ourselves and our families.
At Home Instead, we often support families at moments of change: when care needs increase, when health declines, or when important decisions suddenly need to be made. Very often, those moments come with the question: “Who can make decisions, and how?”
To help shed some light on this, we recently spoke with Alison Edwards, a solicitor at Cognitive Law who specialises in later life planning, including wills, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) and probate. Alison shared her experience, common misconceptions, and why planning early can make an enormous difference.
Meet Alison Edwards: Supporting Families Through Planning
Alison qualified as a solicitor in the 1990s and has been practising in Worthing since 1998. She specialises in what is usually described as “Private Client” law, supporting individuals and families with wills, powers of attorney, administration of estates and generally all things related to elderly client matters.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people plan for the future” Alison explains. “It’s about putting things in place so that stress is reduced for families during what can already be a very difficult time.”
Much of her work focuses on ensuring people’s wishes are understood, documented and legally protected, whether that’s around finances, health decisions or care arrangements.
What Does a Later Life Planning Solicitor Actually Do?
As a consultant solicitor, Alison works flexibly, regularly meeting with clients to understand their family situation, concerns and goals. Her role includes:
- Drafting wills and lasting powers of attorney
- Supporting clients through the signing and registration process
- Applying for probate after someone has passed away
- Handling complex estates involving property, pensions, care fees and tax
“Every estate is different” Alison says. “There can be multiple accounts, care costs, property issues and inheritance tax considerations. Having the right documents in place makes all of this far more straightforward.”
Wills and Powers of Attorney: Essential Tools for Peace of Mind
Alison describes wills and LPAs as tools, not just paperwork.
- A will ensures your estate is dealt with according to your wishes and can significantly reduce stress, confusion and delays for loved ones.
- A lasting power of attorney allows you to choose who can make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to do so yourself.
“LPAs give families clarity and authority” Alison explains. “Without them, even close relatives may not be able to help when it really matters.”
Understanding Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
There are two types of LPA, and Alison strongly advises considering both:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA
This allows your chosen attorney(s) to manage:
- Bank accounts and bills
- Pensions and investments
- Property matters
- Health and Welfare LPA
This covers decisions about:
- Medical treatment
- Care arrangements (including care at home or moving into care)
- Where you live
- Life-sustaining treatment (if you choose to include this)
This second LPA is particularly relevant when care needs increase, as it gives clarity around who can speak on your behalf and make decisions aligned with your wishes.
The Five Key Principles Behind LPAs
LPAs operate under the Mental Capacity Act, which is built around five core principles:
- Always presume a person has capacity unless proven otherwise
- Support individuals to make their own decisions wherever possible
- Recognise that unwise decisions don’t equal lack of capacity
- Act in the person’s best interests if they lack capacity
- Choose the least restrictive option
“These principles are there to protect people” Alison explains. “They ensure dignity, choice and independence are respected for as long as possible.”
What Happens If There’s No LPA in Place?
Without an LPA, families may need to apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy.
Alison is clear about the challenges this can bring:
- The process can be lengthy and expensive
- There is far more paperwork and oversight
- Decisions can be delayed at crucial moments
“It’s far better to choose who you trust while you have capacity, rather than leaving it to the court” she says.
Common Misconceptions About LPAs
Alison often reassures clients who worry that:
- Making an LPA means giving up control
- Attorneys can take over immediately
- Having an LPA makes needing care ‘more likely’
In reality, LPAs only come into effect when they’re needed, and they act as a safeguard, much like an insurance policy.
“You hope you’ll never need it,” Alison says, “but you’re incredibly relieved it’s there if you do.”
LPAs, Care Decisions and Care at Home
When it comes to care; especially care at home, LPAs can make an enormous difference.
They allow attorneys to:
- Advocate for preferred care options
- Support decisions around funding and support levels
- Ensure care aligns with the person’s values and lifestyle
Alison shared examples where clear planning allowed people to remain at home longer with the right support in place, including live-in care, because everyone understood the individual’s wishes.
The Importance of Starting Early
One of Alison’s strongest messages is simple: don’t wait.
Unexpected illness or accidents can happen at any age, and once capacity is lost, it’s too late to create an LPA.
“Younger people often think LPAs aren’t relevant to them” Alison says. “But planning early gives you control and peace of mind.”
A Final Word of Advice
Alison encourages anyone thinking about later life planning to seek professional advice and start the conversation, with both a solicitor and family members.
“The cost of putting these documents in place is small compared to the emotional and practical cost of not having them,” she says. “LPAs and wills are about protecting yourself and the people you love.”
How Home Instead Can Help
At Home Instead, we regularly work alongside families, solicitors and other professionals to support people to live well at home for as long as possible. Having the right legal planning in place helps ensure care decisions are made smoothly, respectfully and in line with personal wishes.
If you’d like support with care at home or guidance on navigating later life changes, our team is always here to help.
