Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind
We’re living longer than ever before. While that’s something to celebrate, it also means more of us will face complex decisions about our future health, finances, and long-term care.
To discuss planning for the future call 0113 320 5000
That’s where advance care planning comes in. It’s about thinking ahead and putting practical, legal, and financial plans in place to make sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected, whatever the future brings.
At Winston Solicitors in Leeds, our Private Client team specialises in helping individuals and families make confident, informed decisions about later life. We guide you through the options, explain your rights, and help ensure you get the support and care you deserve.
What Is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning is the process of preparing for a time when you might not be able to make decisions for yourself due to illness, injury, or reduced mental capacity. It allows you to decide in advance how you would like to be cared for, who should make decisions on your behalf, and how your future expenses will be managed.
This might include decisions about medical treatment and personal care, where you would like to live, and how best to fund your care. It can also cover who will make financial or health-related decisions for you through a Lasting Power of Attorney. The aim is to give you control, clarity, and peace of mind while easing the burden on those closest to you.
Why Advance Care Planning Matters
We often hear from clients who say they “meant to get around to it,” but by the time care is needed, decisions are being made in crisis. Without a clear plan in place, families can find themselves facing confusion about who has authority to make decisions, delays in accessing NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, or even disagreements about where a loved one should live or receive care. Financial strain can also arise unexpectedly when care costs turn out to be higher than expected.
Send our private client team a message at wills&probate@winstonsolicitors.co.uk
Planning early allows you to make decisions calmly and confidently, rather than under pressure. As one of our clients once said,
“Monika is extremely trustworthy, professional and experienced. Have very much felt in safe hands during a very difficult and stressful time of my life. Would highly recommend.”
What Help is Available for Advance Care Planning?
Care can be expensive, but there is support available through various funding routes. You may be eligible for local authority funding based on your financial means. Or you may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), which provides full non-means tested funding for individuals with complex health-based needs.
Unfortunately, applying for support isn’t always straightforward. Funding applications can be complex, with long forms, strict documentation rules, and detailed assessments. Many people delay applying or give up altogether when faced with confusing processes. Errors can result in funding being denied or delayed. Professional legal advice can make all the difference in navigating these challenges successfully.
How Winston Solicitors Can Help
Our Private Client and Continuing Healthcare Claims teams have extensive experience helping clients plan for the future with confidence. We understand that these are deeply personal issues, and we take time to provide clear, compassionate advice that gives you peace of mind.
We can help you understand what funding you may be eligible for, assist with applications for local authority or NHS Continuing Healthcare support, and guide you through the financial assessment process. We also advise on complex issues such as deprivation of capital and asset protection rules. For clients who want to plan ahead more broadly, we can help set up Lasting Powers of Attorney, create Wills and Trusts, and challenge or appeal funding decisions when necessary.
Our later-life planning services are led by Accredited Lifetime Lawyers, which means our solicitors have undergone specialist training to support older and vulnerable clients. We are also happy to work alongside trusted financial advisers to ensure your legal and financial plans work hand in hand.
Why Plan Early?
The best time to plan for the future is before you need to. Acting early gives you time to make informed choices, protect your assets, and ensure your wishes are clearly recorded. It also reduces the emotional and financial strain on your family, who won’t be left trying to make difficult decisions during times of stress or ill health.
Even small steps taken now, such as reviewing your Will, setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney, or discussing future care preferences, can make a big difference later.
Start the Conversation
Advance care planning can sound daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone.
If you’re quietly worrying about care costs or wondering what support might be available for yourself or a loved one, the Private Client team at Winston Solicitors is here to help. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, explain your options in plain English, and help you put a plan in place that protects your wishes and your peace of mind.
Contact our team in Leeds today to start your advance care planning journey. Call 0113 320 5000 or email wills&probate@winstonsolicitors.co.uk
