Last updated on January 11th, 2024 at 10:52 am

Graysons has offered specialist advice to elderly and vulnerable clients for many years, with a team of experts who can help navigate the complexities of matters such as powers of attorney, wills, estate planning and care planning.  The government deemed this assistance so important, that it designated private client lawyers as key workers during the COVID crisis, and we were able to continue to provide a full service.

Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE)

We know that older and vulnerable clients and their families need the peace of mind that their matter is handled by advisors who are not only qualified but have empathy and an understanding of their specific mental and physical needs.  Members of the group, Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), whose primary concern is the safeguarding of older and vulnerable clients, offer exactly that. Graysons’ probate manager, Laura Cowan, is one of only five members of SFE in Sheffield and Chesterfield.  She is specifically trained in dealing with, and has extra understanding of, issues that relate to the elderly and vulnerable, such as how best to look after their money.

Empathetic approach to elderly clients

Her empathetic approach means that she takes time when dealing with older and vulnerable clients, making sure they are not rushed and that her advice is clearly understood. Whilst she can deal with matters by telephone or video link – often with the help of staff in care homes – she also understands that some elderly clients are uncomfortable with the technology and prefer the face-to-face meeting.  Laura can meet clients in our offices in Sheffield, Chesterfield or Hathersage and offers home, hospital and care home visits, with no extra charge. As a member of SFE, Laura is part of a close-knit group who share ideas, experience and knowledge.

Dementia Friend Champion

Laura, like several of Graysons staff, is also a Dementia Friend (people who learn about dementia so they can help others in the community). She is also a Dementia Friends Champion, actively encouraging others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. This and her SFE membership puts Laura in the ideal position to offer a full service to older and vulnerable clients, including drafting wills and powers of attorney, carrying out Court of Protection work, such as applying for someone to become a deputy for a person who has lost mental capacity and does not have a power of attorney, and guiding those deputies or already appointed attorneys in their duties.  Laura says:

“Working in this area of law, our priority is to protect our clients and their families.  Many of the issues we deal with in our private client department relate specifically to the elderly and vulnerable, such as dealing with care costs, powers of attorney, helping attorneys to be aware of their responsibilities and dealing with the Court of Protection.  Of course, it is never too early to make a will – you can do it at any age after 18, but older and more vulnerable people often find it difficult to discuss their needs and plans and need care and empathy when doing so.  We are pleased to be able to offer the expertise, experience and understanding to help guide them – and their families – through any issues so that they can be sure they are making the right decisions.”

Find out more about the benefits of using an SFE member