When it comes to later-life living, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options — and what to consider before making a move:
Assisted Living
On-site staff in the comfort of your own home. Great for those who want independence with a bit of daily support.
Before choosing:
- Interview caregivers thoroughly
- Run background checks
- Do a trial period if possible
- Make sure personalities click — this person may become a big part of your daily life
Caregivers can help with personal hygiene, medication, groceries, housework, and, just as importantly, provide emotional support during vulnerable times.
Care Homes
Residential care, without medical nursing support. Best for those who need help with daily living but not ongoing medical care.
What to look for:
- Layout, accessibility, and comfort
- Food quality and dining options
- Activities, social opportunities, and sense of community
- Transparent costs and what’s included
- Speak with residents and staff to get a real feel for the place
Nursing Homes
Residential care plus 24/7 nursing support. Ideal if there are ongoing medical or complex health needs.
Key questions to ask:
- How many nursing stations are there?
- Are rooms private or shared?
- Are common areas comfortable and homely?
- What’s the staff-to-resident ratio?
- How are care plans created and reviewed?
Retirement Villages
Think spa, gym, landscaped gardens, on-site cafés, and movie nights. Great for independent living with lifestyle perks, and often a built-in sense of community.
Before signing up:
- Understand the service charges, lease terms, and exit fees — they vary widely and are legally binding
- Ask about on-site support if your health needs change
- Check if there’s a resident association and what kind of say you’ll have in village life
Costs can range from £500 to £2,000 a week, depending on the level of care.
Do Your Research:
- Visit at different times to get a feel for the atmosphere.
- Stay for lunch to try the food.
- Ask about staff ratios, use of agency staff, and bathroom facilities.
- Read the Care Quality Commission report – it’s like TripAdvisor but much more useful.
Care and Costs: Budgeting for the Inevitable
Ask yourself:
- Do I have insurance that covers long-term care?
- If not, can my savings cover these expenses if my needs change later?
When selecting care services, be clear on what’s included, what’s not, and the type of caregiver that best suits your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of care levels:
| Service Type | Best For |
| Aides | Help with bathing, dressing, meals, transfers |
| Companionship | Social support, reminders, light tasks |
| Nursing Services | Regular monitoring, medical decisions |
| Palliative Care | Support for serious illness (e.g. cancer) |
| Hospice | End-of-life care provided by a team of professionals |
Give the Gift of Certainty
Preparing for the future isn’t morbid—it’s responsible, compassionate, and empowering. You’ll give your children (and yourself) the gift of clarity, peace of mind, and time to focus on what really matters: being present in the moments that count.
So take the first step.
Planning for later life involves more than just choosing where to live — it’s about protecting your future, securing your assets, and making sure your wishes are clear. Whether you’re exploring care options, preparing for retirement, or thinking about end-of-life arrangements, our experienced Private Client team is here to help.
We can guide you through:
- Choosing the right care setup and understanding your legal rights
- Appointing trusted executors and powers of attorney
- Protecting your family’s future through thoughtful Will planning
- Setting up trusts for children, grandchildren, or vulnerable loved ones
- Minimising inheritance tax and avoiding costly mistakes
- Ensuring your plans are legally robust — and personally meaningful
Contact Lewis Nedas Today
📞 Contact Rose Varsani on 0207 387 2032
📧 Or email pvarsani@lewisnedas.co.uk
Disclaimer:
This blog is for general information and interest only. It does not provide legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. If you’d like tailored legal guidance, please contact us directly.