What providers say about Carewise

Why I recommend Carewise - one care home owner’s story

When residents and their relatives visit us in our care home for the first time, they are given a welcome pack, which includes information about Carewise and our local independent financial adviser. I impress upon everyone who is responsible for the finances the importance of taking advice from a SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisers) accredited expert.

That’s because I believe it’s part of my duty of care to protect the interests of our residents and that includes supporting them to remain in the home which they and their loved ones have spent time and effort in researching, visiting and choosing.

In the past I have had to support residents and their families to manage the distressing consequences when the money has run out. In this situation, we do all we can to help, but cannot guarantee they can remain in our home at the West Sussex County Council fee.

We have worked with our local Carewise-approved care fee specialist for many years. He offers tailored, impartial advice on the available options to fund care. Every six months we hold a legal and financial seminar for our residents and their relatives to hear about Carewise, as well as issues around powers of attorney and public guardianship.

Seeking expert financial advice from Carewise, or other independent financial advisers, will give people peace of mind and help to ensure that the funding is in place for as long as it’s needed.

Lou Bruce, former owner, Melrose Care.  (Lou Bruce was owner of Melrose Care when they received an 'outstanding' rating by CQC July 2019).

"... I would highly recommend this service" - Compton House Nursing Home

We organised a Carewise planning surgery which gave the people who live and work here and their families the opportunity to listen to an Independent Financial Adviser, who has specialist knowledge of the care sector and is also accredited by the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA).

This allowed people to discover more about their financial options and potential opportunities without any pressure. The feedback was really positive from those who attended and from that time we have always included information from Carewise in our information pack so that people can begin to consider their options at the beginning of, what can be, an emotional journey.

From my experience those families that have used this service have been relieved and grateful for their advice. When it is time to choose a care home for a loved one, it is often unexpected, upsetting and an emotional time and people often feel overwhelmed with the many things they need to consider. Carewise not only offers advice about financial affairs but also about Power of Attorney, Inheritance Tax and Wills. Having reliable, impartial advice which can give long term solutions to funding is a huge relief.

There is a lack of independent financial advice available and I would highly recommend this service.

 Paula Craen, Registered Manager, Compton House Nursing Home. Rated 'outstanding' by CQC July 2018.