
The Hidden Cost of Abuse: Why Estate Planning Plays a Vital Role in Safeguarding Older People
£16.6 billion a year. That’s the shocking cost of abuse against older people in the UK. A landmark study from safer ageing charity Hourglass, released during Safer Ageing Week 2024, has brought to light the devastating economic and emotional toll that elder abuse takes on individuals, families, and society at large. At SLS Wills and More, we believe this is not just a social issue, it’s an estate planning issue too. And one that demands immediate attention from individuals, professionals, and policymakers alike. A National Crisis With a Personal Impact Hourglass’s report, The Economics of Abuse, reveals a bleak picture: These statistics are deeply troubling. But behind them are real people – parents, grandparents, neighbours – often suffering in silence. And while the financial cost is staggering, the emotional toll is incalculable. How Estate Planning Can Offer Protection While no legal document can prevent abuse on its own, robust estate planning is one of the most effective tools available for protecting older people from financial manipulation and harm. Here’s how: ✅ Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) A properly drafted LPA allows you to choose someone you trust to manage your financial and health decisions if you become unable to do so yourself. It can: At SLS Wills and More, we take extra care to guide clients through the process with empathy and clarity – always ensuring they fully understand who they are appointing and why. ✅ Carefully Structured Wills and Trusts Wills and trusts aren’t just about who inherits your estate – they’re about how they do. For example: ✅ Independent Document Storage At SLS Wills and More, we store wills and other key documents free of charge, securely and independently. This ensures they are not lost, altered, or destroyed by individuals seeking to manipulate an estate. We also maintain a clear, client-focused policy for access to stored documents, protecting your wishes at every stage of life. What You Can Do Now The abuse of older people is not inevitable. With the right plans in place, it can be prevented. Here’s how we can help: Support and Social Responsibility At SLS Wills and More, we take our role in safeguarding clients seriously, and not just through legal documents. We are proud to donate 5% of our profits to community causes including Hypo Hounds, Wildwood Trust, and Community Driving School CIC, and we advocate for stronger protections for vulnerable adults. We believe that planning for later life is about peace of mind, not just for you, but for those you leave behind. 📞 Call us on 01304 577998📧 Email hello@slswillsandmore.co.uk🌐 Visit www.slswillsandmore.co.uk