The festive period tends to provide an opportunity for families to spend quality time with older loved ones, potentially loved ones that they don’t see often or haven’t been able to spend extended periods of time with. Whilst this can be a wonderful time for making and sharing memories, it can also be a time when family members become more aware of changes in the behaviour and health and wellbeing of their older loved ones, and notice changes in how well they are (or perhaps are not) managing in their home.
Sometimes these changes can be quite small and seem inconsequential, and sometimes they can appear more pressing and concerning. Whilst this can be, understandably, alarming and can raise many questions about what to do that aren’t easy to answer, noticing these changes can provide an opportunity to proactively consider and explore the variety of options available for loved ones that enable them to continue to thrive and remain in control as their needs and circumstances change.
Having expert guidance and advice in making these choices is vital, which is why I founded Turners Oak - the only advisory and estate agency service specifically supporting those in later life and their families..
For many clients, their preference is to stay at home with the support of a live-in carer. For this to succeed, the quality of this care is paramount; providers like Hamilton George Care focus on matching clients with highly-trained, empathetic carers who are trained and supported to enhance the lives of those they care for. This bespoke approach ensures not just physical safety and well-being, but also emotional reassurance, enabling individuals to remain active, engaged, and confidently in control of their future chapter.
The Future Planning Service
Through a combination of my professional career as an estate agent in London and the Home Counties for 17 years and my personal experience with loved ones, I have witnessed many circumstances where those in later life were either not thriving in their current home and/or were not given the information, advice and support that enabled them to make informed decisions and proactive choices. It is for these reasons that I created the Future Planning Service.
The Future Planning Service provides practical and considered information and advice based on individual client circumstances so that clients can remain in control of their current and future chapters - whether that's deciding to stay in the current home or making a move.
The service is designed to be empowering and incorporates the practical, financial and emotional considerations involved when considering where best to enjoy the current and next chapter of life.
It involves meeting with clients and/or their loved ones to understand their current situation, discuss their priorities, wishes and concerns, and work through possible future scenarios - including what they perceive to be the best worst case scenarios. Based on this meeting a report is produced with tailored information, advice and suggestions for clients to consider in their own time.
The Future Planning service is designed for those who:
- Want to discuss their circumstances with someone impartial and knowledgeable
- Are looking for information and advice without pressure
- Want to know about the process of moving and potential options
- Want to make an informed decision in their own time
- Are perhaps making a big decision alone for the first time
- Want to remain in control whilst being supported
- Are feeling a bit ‘stuck’
- Want to 'get their home in order' so that if or when they do move, or when loved ones might need to sell their home in the future, the process is as seamless as possible.
Client experience
Clients who have used the Future Planning Service have shared that:
“It is clear that the purpose is not to tell you what to do but to provide clarity about your situation; to reflect the priorities, concerns and difficulties that you have about moving; to look at options that are worth further exploration including remaining in your home and future proofing it.”
“We now have clarity of thinking; actions to consider and follow as appropriate. The provision of very useful information around the process of buying and selling, and the pros and cons, and whether it would fit with our priorities was addressed very honestly but sensitively.”
“Extremely useful. Appropriate questions asked and topics considered which were all handled in a knowledgeable, friendly and sensitive manner, with acknowledgement of difficult areas.”
Turners Oak
Turners Oak is the only advisory and estate agency service specifically supporting older homeowners and their loved ones navigate the uniqueness of considering moving home in later life.
Our focus is on thriving in later life and our belief is that there are two key factors that support doing so:
Firstly, living in a home and location that enables you to enjoy your current and future chapters. Whether that’s remaining in the current home with perhaps some adaptations and additional support, or choosing to proactively downsize or ‘rightsize’ to a new home that is perhaps easier to maintain or closer to family and where you can still bring in additional support to allow you to continue living well at home over the coming years.
Secondly, thriving in late life also means being able to make informed decisions whilst maintaining agency and control, and whilst feeling supported, heard and understood, without pressure.
For those who may decide that downsizing/rightsizing or changing location is the right thing for them to do, Turners Oak offers a full estate agency service designed around the uniqueness of moving in later life. No jargon, no sales-pitch, no pressure. Instead a trusted, expert, empathetic and pragmatic service designed to empower and support.
If you would like to learn more about Turners Oak and their Future Planning Service or Estate Agency service you can visit their website www.turnersoak.co.uk or contact Susan directly on 020 3916 6045 or via email: susan@turnersoak.co.uk
