Unfortunately there may be times in our lives where we require the help of others to be able to look after ourselves on a daily basis.  Your legal rights ensure that you should receive a correct assessment of your needs and the correct funding. 

Care in the community means the availability and provision of services and support required by those affected by problems such as old age, mental illness or disability so that they may remain independent and, as far as possible, remain at home or at least in a “homely” environment.

Care in the community is a complex area because there are often a number of agencies involved making it difficult to understand the legal duties they each owe to you.

Quite often the need for care arises at a time when you are not at full strength and it is difficult for you or your family to know how to pursue your rights and ensure that you are benefiting from the care and resources you are entitled to.

We will explain all the issues which may affect your entitlements in a caring and supportive manner.  We work very closely with the care agencies, local authorities and nursing/residential homes and approach our work on your behalf in a way which complements and works with the agencies you will need to rely upon.  We can recommend local care services to assist you with your care needs, if required. 

Karen Goor is the member of our team who will assist/advise you regarding care in the community.  She is a Trustee of Age Concern Leeds and a member of the Adult Protection Committee in Leeds.  Karen will be supervised by Linda Pratt who is a founding member of Solicitors for the Elderly, an organisation which specialises in such matters.

The financing of your care may be a concern for you.  As solicitors, we are unable to provide you with any financial advice but we may refer you to someone who is authorised by the Financial Services Authority, as we are not.  However, as we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, we may be able to provide you with certain limited investment services where they are closely linked to the legal work we are doing for you. 

We are more than happy to work with your own independent financial adviser, if you would like us to.  Alternatively, we have a panel of advisers whom we have worked closely with for over 10 years and we are very pleased with their professional services for our clients.

If you have any queries regarding care in the community, please contact Karen Goor on 01943 885103 or email karen.goor@ridingslaw.com.