If you had a stroke or accident tomorrow – would your family know what to do?

With currently 11.4 million people aged around 65 in the UK, few will have thought about what tomorrow holds – this is a growing nationwide problem.  Here Patricia Arnold, from accountants Patricia J Arnold & Co Ltd, tells us what plans we should be considering to prepare for what life may throw at us or our family, for example:

A member of the family suffering from dementia clearly can’t cope with anything, and the children need to know what her situation is and how best to organise life for her.

With failing sight an elderly member of the family can no longer see to sign cheques; can anyone else do this for him?

A widow who is otherwise independent and confident cannot cope with being left alone at night, what help is available in such a circumstance?

A person ordinarily fit and healthy, and fully in control, has suffered a serious fall, which has left him traumatised and subject to panic attacks – what can the family do?

The financial implications of old age, illness or an accident are not something that will cross the mind of most people. Ideally, wherever possible, we all need to be planning in advance to ensure that what can be a very painful time, or devastating event in our life, can be made more manageable.

Planning is key and can instil in us the confidence we need to deal with the many changes and unexpected circumstances we may face – they might happen to us, or a member of the family, or it may simply be the inevitable transition to older age.

By preparing and planning for the unforeseen, we can make life easier to contend with, avoid making ‘crisis’ decisions, and take the opportunity to talk to our nearest and dearest whilst they are still able to articulate their wishes.

A seminar to be hosted by Patricia J Arnold and Co Ltd in Hexham on Wednesday 17^th February will help to explore the options with some of the people who might be able to help us with choices we need to make, even planning for the end of life scenario.

Patricia will be joined by David Storey Dip PFS of Mint Wealth Management, who will talk about annuities to cover, for example, income shortfall to pay for care homes fees, and Bob Nelson RGN, RMN,NDN, MSc Dementia Studies (Stirling) of Diagonal Alternatives, who will cover the option of care in your own home and how it may be managed.

Patricia J Arnold & Co Ltd the Hexham-based accountancy firm celebrated 30 years in 2015. Focusing on accounts preparation and taxation work for the smaller business and individuals, Patricia’s growing team is chosen for their professional expertise and ‘real world’ experience.  The needs of the customer are paramount, ensuring a service that is tailor-made to each client.

Anyone wishing to register their interest in attending this seminar, can contact Patricia Arnold by telephone on 01434 606624 or Email patricia@pjarnold.co.uk