Are you prepared for the future?

Planning for later life

It's just as important to plan for the future in our later years as it is when we're starting out on a career or choosing our first home. But how many of us really know what our options are in later life? Do we have an idea of what we might do when we get there?

A recent report from Healthwatch Surrey showed that many people have a very limited knowledge of the basics.

Many aren't aware of the costs of care or what practical support is available to help keep them independent at home. If they consider future needs at all, they only think about options to meet major long-term care needs.

They also found that when people do make arrangements for social care it is often in a crisis, when they can struggle to find the information that they need.

This is why we have joined forces with Age UK Surrey to help people understand what they need to consider now, to feel better prepared for the future.

We are running sessions across the county to help people and their adult children learn more about:

• care choices
• costs
• ways to stay independent
• help for carers
• why setting up a Power of Attorney can be more important than writing a will

Roughly a thousand people have already attended one of our in-person or online events. 97% of attendees said they found the sessions useful. 87% felt more confident about talking to a family member or someone they trust about their future.

For more information about the sessions, watch this short Planning for your Future event video. At the in-person presentations, you can ask questions and take away a free checklist, as well as useful information from other organisations that provide services designed to keep you independent, safe and well. Alternatively, you can register for one of the monthly online events.

One recent attendee explained how attending a live event had immediately improved their outlook.

"Nothing has changed, materially, in my situation except my mindset. Last night, once again sleepless, I filled in the 'Living the life I want' checklist and, even if it turns out to be something totally different in the end, I've opened my mind to possibilities and focused on the practical matters to which I need to attend for mine and xxxx's future."

So, a very useful talk and exercise which I would highly recommend…"

Sessions will take place until early next year. Events are taking place shortly in Redhill, Addletstone, Tongham and Ewell.

To book a free place for you or a loved one, please visit the Age UK Planning for your Future website. Book now as places are limited for each venue.