It takes a village to support a move in later life

We've probably all heard the saying 'it takes a village to raise a child'. Well recently I've been reflecting on the amazing network of support there is for those making a move in later life and how invaluable this network can be. It's just a shame more people aren't aware of it.

Let me give you an example.

Jessica and Lynda's story

Over a year ago I was introduced to Jessica. Her mum, Lynda, was living with dementia. Lynda lived alone in Surrey and Jessica lived in America. On a visit to her mum, Jessica started exploring potential care homes for Lynda and visited the fabulous Sally Castro at Signature Weybridge. It was Sally who introduced Jessica to me and Turners Oak.

When back in America, Jessica got in touch with me. She wanted some advice about selling her mum's apartment should she need to do so. Lynda had been a bit of a hoarder and had also taken out a lifetime mortgage, and Jessica didn't know where to begin, especially being so far away. We chatted over Zoom and followed up with some information in writing. No sales pitch, no pressure, just information.

A year later, in the Spring of 2025, Lynda's care needs changed rapidly. Jessica got back in touch. She then made a flying visit to England and we met in person at Lynda's home. Jessica was learning more about navigating care, funding care, social care services and Local Authority involvement. It was at this point I introduced her to Claire Edwards from Elder Care - a registered nurse with in-depth knowledge of health and social care for older people, providing expert and independent advice on all aspects of care.

Claire then introduced Jessica to Steven Day from Switchfoot Wealth, a SOLLA accredited and BCorp certified Financial Advisor who could provide information on care funding amongst other things. These conversations are so important to have early on as so few people know what financial options are available and what implications there are from various financial decisions.

Lynda began a respite stay and Jessica and I met again and chatted through the situation, her priorities and concerns. It was of utmost importance to Jessica that her mum had a smooth transition from her home and that she would not be distressed by comings and goings at her home until she had left and was settled. It was also important to Jessica that her mum's home was marketed at its best and as quickly as possible to reduce ongoing costs and interest for both the lifetime mortgage and the care fees that were to be funded from the sale of the home.

At this point I introduced Jessica to Annette Gardner from Hepburn at Home - an exceptional declutterer and property stager. Lynda's hoarding was such that you could not enter the second bedroom and could hardly enter the other rooms in the home. Annette visited Lynda's home and spoke to Jessica over video call. She reassured her that she would work with her to ensure all personal and precious items were sorted and stored, and that all other items were either donated to charity or disposed of. Annette also suggested a lick of paint to lift the whole apartment before staging.

Once Lynda was settled in a residential home we put the plan into action and Annette cleared, painted and staged her home in a fortnight. Jessica returned to England just as Annette was finishing and could not believe the transformation. It was a cathartic visit for Jessica who not only got to see her mum settled and safe, but also got to see her home presented as she would have wished. She left knowing her mum was in safe hands and her mum's home was as well.

The moral of the story

There were five excellent professionals who interacted with Jessica over this time - combining their professional expertise with their unwavering desire to support people like Jessica and Lynda in any way they can. I am so incredibly proud to count myself and Turners Oak amongst them.

There is so much help and support available to those considering a move or needing to move in later life, as well as for their loved ones. These moves are often complex and are emotionally, practically and financially unique. We know that having people you can rely on to provide expert advice in a human way can be invaluable, and we will happily signpost to others who we think could be of value too.

Sometimes no help is needed at all and other times it really does take a village to support a move in later life.

So if you are thinking about a move, or thinking about a move on behalf of a loved one, do make enquiries and start your conversations as early as you can. All too often people spend time thinking (and worrying) but not planning - which is understandable - but with 40% of moves in later life being unplanned (and therefore happening at crisis point) the best way to stay in control is to be informed, have time to make decisions, and to have a team around you who know what's important to you and why.

If you would like to have a chat about your potential move or the move of a loved one do please get in touch.

Susan, Founder of Turners Oak