May your days be merry and bright, and your Christmases...well invested

Station Financial in New Milton considers 

The third in our new financial series from Station Financial, this month's article looks at how a long term investment could be the best gift you can give at Christmas. 

The gift that keeps on giving

"With Christmas just around the corner, you may be wondering what to gift your loved ones with. Articles such as the Guardian’s ‘Elf Help Guide’ are being published in an effort to inspire as you hit the high street this December. But at Station Financial we have an alternative idea, offering your children a gift that will keep on giving through the years. 

Now, an investment fund that’s not to be touched until you are 18 years old may not have them squealing with excitement like that latest toy or game might, but they may be jumping for joy when they reach adulthood. 

From Small Beginnings

By starting with a small pot and, if possible, investing small amounts every month, over 18 years you will reap the rewards of a secure financial future for your children.

Assistant editor of This is Money, Lee Boyce, did just this for his daughter and worked it out that by starting with a £1,000 pot and adding £75 a month to it, a 5% annual return could create a pot worth £54,000 over 18 years. That’s what I call a good Christmas present!

Benefits of Investing

Long-term investment means that you can ride out fluctuations in the market and the instability of stocks and shares, to see good returns. Here at Station Financial, we help our clients navigate through the volatile world to meet financial objectives and reap the rewards whilst maintaining a stable Portfolio.

Perhaps you are not yet convinced, however talks about the benefits of investing over cash savings come after analysis from Moneyfacts showing that cash savings rates on children’s accounts have barely benefited from two rises in the Bank of England base rate.

There also hangs in the air, concerns about whether cuts to children’s savings accounts could follow cuts to adult savings accounts and fixed rate bonds.

So, looking into investment companies who can offer longer-term security and who have a strong performance rate could help build a nice nest egg for your little treasures.

These companies spread the risk across different sectors and offer a diverse range of styles, meaning that by saving just a small amount each month, starting this Christmas, you could be looking at impressive returns 18 years down the road."

Chat to Station Financial this Christmas!

Book your free initial consultation with Station Financial today!

If you are interested in gifting your child with some financial security this Christmas, then feel free to get in touch. 

The friendly and knowledgeable Independent Financial Advisers at Station Financial would love to talk to you about the different options, especially as they research the whole of the marketplace for the best options for their clients.

Why not make this, and every Christmas, merry and bright by investing slowly but surely in your child’s future.

Your first port of call whether you call in or call by phone, will be with Gill Hepburn.  After a brief chat Gill will know exactly which of the Station Financial team of Independent Financial Advisers will be most suited to discuss your situation and financial goals. Gill will then book you in for your completely free consultation - which can take place either at the Station Financial offices or at your home or office, as you prefer.

Call Gill today on 01425 611 666 or send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Find out more about Station Financial here.

Dealing with Digital Assets after Death

Life Matters for Lymington from Lester Aldridge: What will happen to smartphones, tablets, computers and your 'digital footprint'?

Because of the numbers of people who have access to smartphones, tablets or computers, many people have some form of ‘digital footprint’ and own digital assets. Digital assets are often overlooked as being a part of someone’s estate and this can cause problems for executors or relatives. Anyone making a will should, therefore, consider whether they have any digital assets and, if so, what will happen to these after their death?

This month in Life Matters we feature an article by Victoria Jones in the Lester Aldridge Disputed Tax, Trust Wills and Probate team. As always, please share this article with anyone you know who might find it useful.

What Are Digital Assets?

Digital assets are assets which have some value and are held in a digital form. This may include:

• multimedia content e.g. online music/film/book/game libraries
• social media accounts e.g. a Twitter, Instagram or Facebook account
• email accounts
• online financial accounts e.g. an online bank account or cryptocurrency wallet
• other digitally stored documents and content

Why Should I Deal with My Digital Assets?

Failing to consider your digital assets when making a will can create the following problems:

• executors may not be aware of the existence of online accounts
• executors may not be being able to access online accounts or assets after your death, because they do not have the account password
• some social media websites allow deceased member’s pages to be ‘memorialized’ or for information to be accessed by a nominated third party after death. Relatives may, therefore, face either seeing information or images that the deceased did not want to share with them, or that they would not want to be shared with others after loved one’s death
• ownership of some online assets and data sometimes is not always transferrable to someone else after death
• some online accounts send automatic ‘reminders’ and emails to account holders, which relatives may find upsetting to receive, for example, an email wishing the person who has died a ‘Happy Birthday’ 
• numerous online account providers may need to be notified about a death and this can be an added burden for relatives or executors

Do your digital assets belong to you?

Online companies have terms and conditions which will dictate what will happen to your account after your die and these can vary greatly. This means that when you purchase films, music, games and books from online providers, you will often not own them. Instead, you are purchasing a right to access this content and, this may not transferable to your beneficiaries after your death.

Some providers offer alternatives, e.g. Apple offers their users the chance to share their online purchases with friends and family during their lifetime. It is therefore important to identify what assets may not pass to your estate after you die.

What action can you take?

It is vital to mention your digital assets to your solicitor when you prepare your will so that they can confirm how you wish for them to be dealt with them after your death. Solicitors are obliged to keep client information confidential, they are regulated and insured. Your solicitor can also notify online account providers about your death and this might lessen the burden involved in dealing with digital assets for your loved ones.

We are often told not to write down or share account passwords during our lifetime and rightly so. However, you should consider leaving details of your digital assets with someone you trust. For example, with your solicitor when you make your will, together with details of how your securely stored passwords can be located.

People may store incredibly sensitive information online (especially in social media accounts) believing that only they will be able to view this. It is therefore important to also consider who may be granted access to this data in the event of your death. For example, Facebook offers relatives the option to appoint a ‘legacy contact’.

However, some people may not appreciate that the legacy contact can download an archive of certain information which you have shared, including any photographs and videos which you have uploaded and also a list of your friends. If you want others to be able to access this information, that is fine, but what if that is not the case?

Given the above, when making or updating your will, it is important to consider your digital assets as part of your future estate and also to deal with these as part of the will and estate planning process.

Free consultation 

Lester Aldridge Solicitors offer a free initial consultation; by clicking this link to the Lester Aldridge Family Law team you can contact them and also can view details of all the Lester Aldridge Partners in the Family Law team.

Or simply call 01202 786161 and ask for a member of the Family Law team.

Life Matters for Lymington and the New Forest 

For a full list of all the Life Matters articles by Lester Aldrige Solicitors published on Lymington.com so that you can read the ones which interest you, please click this link

About Lester Aldridge

Lester Aldridge Solicitors are based in London and Bournemouth where the office covering the New Forest is situated conveniently close to the main Bournemouth train station. Their specialist teams in the various fields of law will be happy to advise and assist you, starting with a completely free initial consultation during which you can decide whether you feel able to trust them with your confidential information.  For more information please click here.

November 2019

Colten Care home chefs do battle for title of star baker

 The exceptional home chefs are a huge part of Colten Care’s success, as illustrated by exceptional bakes in fun competition!

Eighteen Chefs from Colten Care's homes, including Lymington and Sherborne, Chichester and Ferndown, were amongst those who accepted the challenge of creating an original and spectacular cake. The resulting confections - ranging from a Pumpkin and Pecan cake, to a Liverpool FC-themed sponge and even a chocolate and bacon cake, were exhibited and judged at Colten Care’s newest home, Bourne View in Poole.

Fergus Davitt, Colten hotel services manager said: “Everyone knows we have some exceptionally talented chefs, but to see all their amazing cakes taking centre stage filled us all with wonder and pride.”

He added: “Hours of thought, planning and preparation went into these cakes, and it certainly showed.”

The panel of judges for the competition was headed by Allan Davison-Collier, Head of Curriculum for Hospitality and Visitor Economy at Brockenhurst College.

Allan said: “What a great display of skills and talent from the chefs at Colten Care! The colours, textures and mix of flavours was to rival Bake Off – great showstoppers all of them. It was great to be involved in such an innovative competition where the residents also played such an important part.”

Colten Care’s co-founder and director John Colwell and its Executive chairman Ian Hudson were also judges, along with four Colten Care residents Joyce, Liz, Myrtle and Patricia.

Joyce said: “All the cakes looked lovely and all the chefs worked very hard.”

Liz agreed: “The cakes were wonderfully decorated. I especially liked the Bacon and Chocolate cake because it had a totally different flavour and was so unusual.”

Myrtle said: “It was really good fun to be part of the judging panel. But awfully difficult to choose from such a fabulous selection of cakes.”

Patricia added: “It was a wonderful event, so many cakes to choose from – and I particularly enjoyed the delicious Chocolate and Ginger Cake!”

After a great deal of tasting and much deliberation, the winner was announced as Hannah Clark, Chef at Colten Care’s Court Lodge in Lymington. Hannah created an autumn-inspired Pumpkin and Pecan cake decorated with handcrafted pumpkins, mushrooms, leaves and animals.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be named winner amongst so many fabulous cakes from so many talented chefs.”

Judge John Colwell said: “Our home chefs are a huge part of Colten Care’s success and we certainly weren’t disappointed by the cakes they produced. Some were unusual - such as the unique chocolate and bacon cake from Lorna Parsons here at Bourne View – but all were simply delicious and we congratulate every chef who took part.”

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Colten Care is determined to set the highest standards in all aspects of care of the older person. Colten Care is also committed to raising money for charitable causes. In the past year, Colten Care residents and team members have raised more than £30,000 for charity. 

Find out more about Colten Care's New Forest homes

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

Every Wednesday 'Come Dine with Us' at Belmore Lodge - come and join the residents for a sociable lunch (booking essential!). Ladies, on the first Wednesday of each month join the residents at Court Lodge for Ladies' Afternoon Tea and gentlemen, come along to the Gentlemen's Lunch Club, also at Court Lodge.

Are you a risk-taker?

Station Financial in New Milton considers appetites for and attitudes to risk

The second in our new financial series from Station Financial, this month's article begins with risk taking taken to the extreme as a backdrop to assessing our own attitudes to risk: one of the key factors determining our decisions about how to make our money work for us. 

According to Bear Grylls, “If you risk nothing you gain nothing” - but know thyself!

"Whether you’re a fan or not, you will no doubt agree that Bear Grylls is a risk-taker!

He loves adventure and always seems to be caught in some wilderness somewhere in the world using his well-honed survival techniques to get by. He has even started taking people with him on these little adventures. Barak Obama was brave enough to join him in Alaska!

Word on the street is that Bear has struck a deal to form a new adventure TV production firm so that we can enjoy more of these survivalist shows, which have become so popular. 

It’s always enthralling isn’t it, to watch other people take risks and undertake daring feats of human endurance to overcome obstacles? However, when it comes to our own attitude to risk, we may sit on a different place on the scale to the likes of Bear Grylls!

Life is a risky business 

Most spheres of life include an element of risk.

It feels risky to climb Mount Everest or explore the jungle. It also feels risky to fall in love, to chase your goal or to put all your ‘metaphorical’ eggs in one basket.

Some people dare to win, others shy away – what seems risky to one may feel like child’s play to another, we are all different after all. It is good to consider our own attitude to risk, so that we make decisions that are right for us and cause the least level of stress and anxiety.

Money is a massive part of life and can actually be one of the things that causes the highest level of stress and anxiety. It’s one of the most talked about topics in the Bible, people will do many things to acquire it, some people have lots while others have very little, you can be reckless, stingy or generous with it. We need to talk about it in an authentic and real way!

We’d love to talk

As you probably guessed this all relates to our own attitudes to risk!

At Station Financial we are experts in talking about and taking care of your money - making it work for you, whatever your appetite for risk.

Attitude to risk is subjective and can be influenced by many factors – personality, recent experiences, current events – one person may feel comfortable with market risk, another may really not.

So one of the first things we do is assess your attitude by asking you to fill out a short questionnaire.

Saving and investing can feel like a big decision. There is inflation risk (your money may not keep up), volatility risk (share prices rise and fall), interest-rate risk (your money may have earned better returns elsewhere) and lastly, default risk (the institution in which you hold your money may fall).

The best way to manage risk if your appetite for it is low is to spread your money across a range of different investment types. As mentioned earlier, having all your eggs in one basket is for the high risk-takers!

Choosing the right products

We’ll discuss with you both your short-term and long-term goals to see where your money would be best placed. For short-term goals, such as buying a house, we would likely recommend cash products whereas for a longer-term goal you may want to consider stocks and shares which, while riskier, offer the opportunity of higher returns down the line.

If you would like some help to figure things out, then we would love to chat with you and outline the best strategy for you and your money, whether you need to play safe at the moment or have the scope to take a risk!"

Book your free initial consultation with Station Financial today!

As well as being experts in all things money related, the people at Station Financial are exceptionally friendly and helpful.

Your first port of call whether you call in or call by phone, will be with Gill Hepburn.  After a brief chat Gill will know exactly which of the Station Financial team of Independent Financial Advisers will be most suited to discuss your situation and financial goals. Gill will then book you in for your completely free consultation - which can take place either at the Station Financial offices or at your home or office, as you prefer.

Call Gill today on 01425 611 666 or send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Find out more about Station Financial here.

Avoid a lonely winter with a short stay at a Colten home

Sometimes a holiday is just what's needed, providing precious time to be "you" again.

With the colder months upon us it’s a great time to experience the warmth and care of a friendly, relaxing care home - whilst making new friends at what can be a lonely time of the year. Whether recovering from a spell in hospital, hoping for companionship and warmth over the winter months, or simply wanting to give your career (and yourself) a break, a short stay in one of Colten Care's homes could be just the ticket. 

Winter offer at Colten Care homes: 4 weeks for the price of 3 in November, December and January!

Along with the reassurance of 24-hour quality care, come and enjoy excellent home cooked food, luxury cafes, hair salons, beautiful gardens and many more luxury amenities. You will also have the opportunity to take part in a stimulating and imaginative programme of activities organised by the dedicated companionship team.

Short term stays provide respite for both carer and the person being cared for

Caring for a loved one can be demanding and stressful, both emotionally and physically. We all deserve an occasional break from our responsibilities – and that’s where a respite stay in a beautiful, welcoming care home comes in. You may well associate care homes with long-term care, but there are many reasons why shorter stays are attractive as well.

People on discharge from hospital often require additional care to start their recuperation.   

Meanwhile some individuals or families want to try out a care home before making a longer-term commitment to move in permenantly.

A respite stay can be a rejuvenating breather that gives a full-time carer precious time out. Enjoy your holiday knowing that your loved one is having a great time too! You should not feel guilty about needing a break from the person you’re caring for. In fact, it’s widely recognised that respite care is good for both the carer and the person being cared for.

Time to be 'you' again

Colten Care’s New Forest homes boast luxurious cafés, peaceful sitting rooms, relaxing hair salons and stunning, accessible gardens. At the same time, residents have the reassurance of daily companionship, home-cooked meals, and round-the-clock residential, nursing and dementia care as required. Each home has a dedicated team offering tailored, structured activities and experiences, from calming conversations to engaging exercise, and live music to poetry readings.

Whatever the need, many of Colten's short-stay residents come back time and time again and consistently acknowledge the excellence of services. 

“When we go in with mum, we know she’s going to have a good experience,” one family member says. “On a typical morning, she’ll have a relaxing bath and go to the in-home hairdressing salon to have her hair done. She comes out of there looking like a star. It’s a real pampering. She’ll then have a delicious lunch prepared by the chefs and served in the friendly, warm dining room.“

“After lunch she might do some gentle crafts or other activities or have afternoon tea and cake sitting with a Companion in the garden.“

“All these experiences give us something to have a chat about when we see her again.”

Whether a short period of recovery, a break for yourself, or simply a ‘trial run’ for those looking for a permanent home, a short term stay at a Colten Care home is an excellent opportunity.

Find out more about respite care, including tips on how to introduce the idea.

If you would like to find out more about the Winter Special Offer - 4 weeks for the price of 3 - and discuss a short stay in a Colten Care home, call 01425 482466 or find out more here. 

Find out more about Colten Care's New Forest homes

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

New Forest family breakdown? DIY Divorce

Life Matters for Lymington from Lester Aldridge: Do-it-yourself Divorce

Continuing on the theme of family breakdown this month's Life Matters for Lymington from Lester Aldridge introduces "DIY Divorce" with an article by Rosemary Sharp in the Family Law Team.

As always, please share this article with anyone you know who might find it useful.

Online divorce service 

The Ministry of Justice launched its online divorce service nationwide 18 months ago. The portal, which can be found on the gov.uk website, enables couples to apply for divorce digitally without the need to complete and post paper forms to the court. At the moment, only individuals can use this service, not solicitors.

The aim is to simplify the divorce process for couples and make it easier for litigants, in person, to complete the process with little or no legal advice. Using the government portal can be an appealing option for many couples, particularly if they are amicable and/or in agreement about proceeding with a divorce.

This is a big step forward in terms of progress for family law in an increasingly digital world. It should make divorce cheaper, quicker and easier for people.

Beware of the pitfalls though

Couples do, however, need to be aware of the pitfalls when using this service and remember that family law can be complex. It is essential that they fully understand the legal implications of seeking a divorce and completing the online forms to avoid being severely disadvantaged further down the line.

It is important to preserve your financial claims when completing the online divorce forms, in case it isn’t possible to reach a financial agreement with your spouse or problems arise when you try to formally document the financial agreement you and your spouse have reached. In order to do this, you need to ensure the correct boxes are ticked on the form. This is particularly important if you want to remarry before sorting out your financial claims with your spouse.

When couples get married or enter into a civil partnership they acquire financial rights and responsibilities towards each other. On a divorce, spouses have claims against the other’s capital, pensions and income. Many people believe that when a decree absolute is made in a divorce, as well as being legally divorced, it means that each party’s financial claims are dismissed and no claims can be made in the future. This is not the case.

Many people are getting divorced and do not realise their financial claims against one another are still ‘live’. This can cause endless problems in the future as ex-spouses come out of the woodwork and pursue their financial claims when the ex-spouse have remarried or their financial circumstances have significantly changed i.e. through inheritance, savings or even a lottery win!

Separate application for resolution of financial claims

The online divorce portal does not enable you to ask the family court to dismiss or adjudicate your respective financial claims when you divorce. This involves a separate application to the family court. If you and your spouse have reached an agreement about finances, even if that agreement is that neither of you will make any claims against the other’s assets and income, the agreement must be properly drafted and approved by the family court; so it is binding and enforceable. It is this document, known as a financial consent order, which will protect you against financial claims from your ex-spouse in the future.

This is where Lester Aldridge can help!

If you have started or completed a divorce using the online portal, but are unsure how to resolve your financial claims or document your financial agreement, Lester Aldridge can help.

Free consultation 

Lester Aldridge Solicitors offer a free 30 minute consultation; by clicking this link to the Lester Aldridge Family Law team you can contact them and also can view details of all the Lester Aldridge Partners in the Family Law team.)

Or simply call 01202 786161 and ask for a member of the Family Law team.

Life Matters for Lymington and the New Forest 

For a full list of all the Life Matters articles by Lester Aldrige Solicitors published on Lymington.com so that you can read the ones which interest you, please click this link

About Lester Aldridge

Lester Aldridge Solicitors are based in London and Bournemouth where the office covering the New Forest is situated conveniently close to the main Bournemouth train station. Their specialist teams in the various fields of law will be happy to advise and assist you, starting with a completely free initial consultation during which you can decide whether you feel able to trust them with your confidential information.  For more information please click here.

October 2019

The power of persistence with savings

Advice from Station Financial in New Milton about how goal-based investing can help you plan for the future

To launch our new regular feature on financial matters to which we should attend, Station Financial explains why and how the power of persistence will pay off in the long run. Retirement may seem a long way off right now for many, but careful goal-based investment planning can help you structure your savings and investments around your unique financial aims.

The Power of Persistence

"Recently I read an article that made me reflect on the fact that a lot of the time, persistence pays off.

"This article was about one documentary-maker’s 17-year hunt for French art-swindler, Michael Cohen. Cohen, having swindled the New York art world out of $50m back in 2001, disappeared into thin air. When she caught wind of this story, documentarian Vanessa Engle was keen to investigate, but she found nothing….until 17 years later!! Her documentary ‘The $50m Art Swindle’, recently aired on BBC Two and can be found on BBC iPlayer.

Aspire to reach a goal

"So, what does any of this have to do with your finances? Well, the lesson here could simply be about the power of persistence, in any sphere of life, including your savings and retirement planning. 

"Being persistent, and consistent, is hard and according to the Office of National Statistics the UK is losing its saving habit. Perhaps this is because it feels hard to be consistent in a saving pattern: unexpected things crop up, new temptations arise, tomorrow is just around the corner. 

"However, there are new technologies coming on the scene aimed at helping the UK get back on track when it comes to saving, and it’s all about aspiration and goal-setting. 

"Goal-based investing is designed to structure your investment around your unique financial aims. 

"Are you aiming to save for a deposit on your first home, your child’s wedding, or perhaps you are thinking about saving for a comfortable retirement?

See the bigger picture

"Retirement may seem like something too far down the line to think about now, especially if you’re young or have a lot of financial responsibility right now, but one savings app hopes to help people see the bigger picture.

"The idea is to upload an image of something you aspire to, the reason for saving. Maybe it’s a picture of a cruise ship you hope to go on during retirement or a dream garden you hope to create and enjoy when work no longer takes your time.

"The more money you transfer into your savings account the clearer your dream image will become, withdraw money however, and the image will start to disappear!

Let’s get motivated

"Having a vision and a goal, just like Vanessa Engle who was determined to catch her man and get her story, means that motivation will increase, and persistence will get easier.

"If you would like to change your habits and start thinking about financial planning, then we would love to talk to you about your goals, strategies and attitude to risk.

Book a free initial consultation with Station Financial today!

"Why not book a free initial consultation today with one of our Independent Financial Advisers, by calling and asking for Gill Hepburn on 01425 611 666 or contacting us by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."

Based in New Milton, Station Financial are Independent Financial Advisers (IFA), providing a wide range of financial services from savings to pensions, mortgages to estate planning. 

Their independence enables the team to research and recommend the most appropriate solutions from the whole of the market. Your advisor will work with you to create a bespoke and clear financial plan for the future, based on appropriate solutions to help you achieve your financial objectives and on a holistic view to cover all areas of your financial needs and ensuring that one area of financial planning doesn't compromise another.

With Station Financial, you can expect a high level of knowledge, expertise and integrity as well as care and courtesy from our experienced support staff.

Find out more about Station Financial here

Struggling to get NHS Continuing Healthcare in the New Forest? 

Life Matters for Lymington from Lester Aldridge: update and advice 

Following up on their previous article on this important subject, this month's Life Matters for Lymington from Lester Aldridge reports on a subject which has been in the national press a lot lately: accessing NHS funded Continuing Healthcare. 

As always, please share this article with anyone you know who might find it useful.

The trials and tribulations of accessing NHS Continuing Healthcare: an update

The Sunday Express and Daily Telegraph have recently reported on the difficulty of accessing NHS Continuing Healthcare. The common questions are, what is NHS Continuing Healthcare, what is the impact and why can it be a challenge to secure NHS Continuing Healthcare funded status.

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a non-means tested complete package of ongoing care that is arranged and funded purely by the NHS where an adult has been assessed and discovered to have a ‘primary health need’ caused by an injury, illness or disability. This applies not only to those in later life, but also equally to adults living with a disability who have health needs.

What is the effect of NHS Continuing Healthcare funding?

In practical terms, eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare means the NHS is responsible for care provision and meeting all of the associated costs. NHS Continuing Healthcare can be provided in any setting and could cover the cost of accommodation if this is necessary to meet assessed care needs.

The continuing trials and tribulations of accessing NHS Continuing Healthcare

Recent NHS England data suggests obtaining NHS Continuing Healthcare remains very difficult.

A small 24% of eligibility assessments in the first quarter of 2019-2020 resulted in NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. The 24% conversion rate remains the same as the rate for the last quarter of 2018-2019.

Potentially a postcode lottery

Further concern is the NHS England data, which suggests that despite the revised National Framework, which attempted to clarify assessment principles and processes to improve access to funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare funding could be a postcode lottery.

The Sunday Express highlighted in a recent article on Freedom of Information figures which suggest you may be more likely to secure NHS Continuing Healthcare funded status if you live in the North than if you reside in the South.

How long will NHS Continuing Healthcare funding last?

As NHS Continuing Healthcare funding is needs based, a decision of eligibility does not mean a patient is guaranteed to receive a non-means tested package of care, funded by the NHS for life. Funding is subject to an Annual Review 3 months after the eligibility decision, and annually thereafter.

We continue to see the number of Annual Reviews increase, which are used to withdraw funding, particularly in cases of patients with progressive medical conditions.

Often these decisions lack evidential merit and it is key to be prepared to challenge non-eligibility decisions or the withdrawal by way of an appeal.

The Community Care Team’s Top Tips

Lester Aldridge Solicitors have a dedicated Community Care team, managed by friendly Partners who have a wealth of knowledge in this area.  

"To secure NHS Continuing Healthcare funding first and foremost requires patience and an acceptance that it could be a lengthy process. It is best to think of the NHS Continuing Healthcare journey as a marathon, not a sprint."

Working with applicants the team can help to achieve success with:

• A detailed working knowledge of the revised National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
• The ability to clearly and coherently advocate family views.
• A forensic analysis of the available evidence to facilitate the presentation of evidenced-based arguments which apply the evidence to the assessment criteria in a structured way.
• Preparation of written submissions to support the eligibility assessments and appeals.
• If you do not succeed after the initial eligibility assessment, it is good to prepare detailed written submissions which prove any procedural failings and the reasons why the evidence suggests eligibility should have been awarded.

Need advice? 

If you are struggling to secure funding and would like some support and advice from the team read on.

Free initial consultation with the Community Care team at Lester Aldridge

By clicking this link to the Lester Aldridge Comunity Care team you can contact them for a free initial consultation with one of the team.

Or simply call 0344 967 0793 and ask for a member of the Community Care team.

Life Matters for Lymington and the New Forest 

For a full list of all the Life Matters articles by Lester Aldrige Solicitors published on Lymington.com so that you can read the ones which interest you, please click this link

About Lester Aldridge

Lester Aldridge Solicitors are based in London and Bournemouth where the office covering the New Forest is situated conveniently close to the main Bournemouth train station. Their specialist teams in the various fields of law will be happy to advise and assist you, starting with a completely free initial consultation during which you can decide whether you feel able to trust them with your confidential information.  To learn more about Lester Aldridge including testimonials you can click here.

September 2019

New Forest family breakdown? Consider mediation

Life Matters for Lymington from Lester Aldridge: How mediation can help in family breakdown

Continuing a similar theme from last month, and aware that at any time most of us seem to have friends going through this awful crisis in their lives, this month's Life Matters for Lymington from Lester Aldridge focuses on the subject of Mediation - which might make all the difference and has certainly proven to do so for many.

As always, please share this article with anyone you know who might find it useful.

Family breakdown - almost guaranteed to be emotional and stressful

Family breakdown is almost always an emotional and stressful time, for all those involved.  

These emotions are often heightened by the prospect of bitter court proceedings which are costly in terms of money, time and uncertain outcome.

These additional pressures and anxieties are the last thing that anyone needs at this difficult time, which is why many people turn to mediation in an attempt to resolve the issues which arise on the breakdown of a relationship.

Mediation is generally a quicker and more cost effective route to resolving disputes and aims to make the process less traumatic for any children involved.

In the mediation process you also retain control over the outcome of your dispute, whether it relates to children matters, financial matters or both. This differs from the court process where a Judge will make a final decision if you cannot agree.

Be prepared to be challenged

However mediation is not the easy option; discussing and possibly compromising on sensitive issues with someone you have previously been in a relationship with can be emotionally draining.

The reward - make your own decisions

Nevertheless, by attending mediation you and your former partner can make your own decisions.

What does a mediator do?

A trained and experienced family mediator can help you through the process and facilitate you reaching an understanding with your former partner.

The mediator has to be impartial and, to ensure that this remains the case, he or she cannot give advice, only information.

Therefore you may wish to retain the services of a solicitor to advise. The mediator does not make decisions or impose a settlement. The mediator will help the parties work through options and reality checks their proposals. A mediator will ensure that there is not a power imbalance in the negotiations.

Family mediation can be for all the family

Family mediation is not limited to the separating couple.  As a process it can also assist in resolving disputes involving grandparents and, if appropriate, children can be invited into the process. (Although cases involving domestic violence or child protection issues may render mediation inappropriate. There are however other options for example “shuttle mediation” whereby you and your former partner do not have to sit in the same room. Instead, your mediator will “shuttle” between the two of you to facilitate negotiations.)

Mediation - an effective tool

If used correctly, mediation is an effective tool in resolving family disputes. Through mediation the couple has the opportunity of improving their communication and chances of long-term cooperation with each other which is so essential where there are children. The mediator controls the process and the parties retain control of the decisions made. There is always full disclosure of financial information if the mediation relates to financial issues.

One of the particular benefits of attending mediation at Lester Aldridge is that all of our mediators are qualified and experienced family solicitors so they are aware of how the law operates in practice. We are all members of Resolution, a national association of specialist family lawyers committed to a non-confrontational approach to resolving family problems.

Free 30 minute consultation which can include the family

Lester Aldridge Solicitors offer a free 30 minute consultation which can include the whole family if you would like it to. This may in itself be a really helpful and constructive thing to do. By clicking this link to the Lester Aldridge Family Law team you can contact them and also can view details of all the Lester Aldridge Partners in the Family Law team.)

Or simply call 01202 786161 and ask for a member of the Family Law team.

Life Matters for Lymington and the New Forest 

For a full list of all the Life Matters articles by Lester Aldrige Solicitors published on Lymington.com so that you can read the ones which interest you, please click this link

About Lester Aldridge

Lester Aldridge Solicitors are based in London and Bournemouth where the office covering the New Forest is situated conveniently close to the main Bournemouth train station. Their specialist teams in the various fields of law will be happy to advise and assist you, starting with a completely free initial consultation during which you can decide whether you feel able to trust them with your confidential information.  For more information please click here.

August 2019

Tastes of the Caribbean come to Lymington care home

Summer barbecue just one of many fun events at Colten Care's Belmore Lodge

The tastes of the West Indies came to Hampshire when a Lymington care home staged a summer barbecue with a Caribbean twist. Residents, family and friends at Colten Care’s Belmore Lodge in Milford Road enjoyed a feast of dishes from chefs Nigel Parsons and Justin Guest.

They included lamb and mint burgers, Southern fried chicken, caramelised chipolatas, spare ribs and a variety of salads.

Pride of place went to a pavlova with caramelised pineapple and honey, topped with strawberries and chocolate, and served with a caramel sauce. 

Caribbean music played in the background as even the weather joined in with the fun although not quite matching temperatures in the West Indies.

Residents later enjoyed making mocktails with the favourite being a pina colada with coconut crisps.

Julie House, Home Manager, said the barbecue had proved particularly popular with one resident, Jim Giles, who had spent a lot of time in Jamaica.

She added: “The weather was typical of our English summer although the vibe was definitely bright and Caribbean. 

“Lunch outside was enjoyed by all and several residents asked to see the chefs to thank them for the wonderful food. It was a day enjoyed by our residents, families and staff and we very much hope to have many more garden events before the end of the summer,” said Julie.

Carnival time!

This week residents and staff at Belmore Lodge and Colten Care's other homes in Lymington, Court Lodge and Linden House, are busy putting the final preparations in place for their 2019 Lymington Carnival procession entry.

As headline sponsors of the event, Colten Care always make a spectacular effort and we're promised that this year's entry will be no exception!

The theme chosen for this year's carnival is 'Saving the planet' - perfect for a local company who has managed to remove over a million pieces of single-use plastic from their business in the last year.

Summer Short Stay Special Offer 

This summer enjoy an All-Inclusive Summer break with Colten Care's 4 weeks for the price of 3 special offer! Whether recovering from a spell in hospital, or simply wanting to give your carer - or yourself - a break, a short stay in one of Colten Care's homes could be just the ticket.

Find out more about Colten Care's 4 weeks for the price of 3 offer here.

Find out more about Colten Care's New Forest homes

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

This summer take the opportunity to visit Colten Care's homes at a number of open events, including a Country & Western BBQ at Woodpecker's Brockenhurst on Friday 16 August.

In addition, every Wednesday 'Come Dine with Us' at Belmore Lodge - come and join the residents for a sociable lunch (booking essential!). Ladies, on the first Wednesday of each month join the residents at Court Lodge for Ladies' Afternoon Tea and gentlemen, come along to the Gentlemen's Lunch Club, also at Court Lodge.

If you fancy a short stay at a Colten home this summer, either as respite or as an all-inclusive holiday, take advantage of the current '4 weeks for the price of 3' offer! Find out more here.