Edinburgh Care Forum (ECF) is urging residents to plan early for later-life care needs as rising demand places increasing pressure on services and families across the capital.
Formed to simplify the often complex care landscape, the forum brings together professionals from the care, financial, legal, property and funeral sectors to offer joined-up support for individuals navigating long-term or end-of-life decisions. The initiative aims to ensure families can access trusted advice and avoid making critical choices under pressure.
With people living longer and demand on the NHS and social care services intensifying, many families are still leaving care planning until the last minute. According to a recent report from Ageing Britain, more than half (52%) of care enquiries are made within a month of care being required, with 16% seeking help within just one week. The findings highlight how limited planning time can lead to rushed decisions and increased strain on family networks.
ECF warns that, in these situations, important considerations such as long-term costs, provider quality and legal requirements are often overlooked in favour of immediate solutions.
The forum offers access to a range of services designed to support families at every stage of the care journey, including guidance on care options, financial planning, legal matters such as powers of attorney and wills, property management, and funeral planning.
Laura Chapman, Director of Chapmans and a founding member of Edinburgh Care Forum, said the network was created to help families navigate the wider implications of later-life care.
“The Edinburgh Care Forum is a trusted network of Edinburgh professionals who help families deal with later life issues; not just care, but all the complicated aspects that come with it,” she said.
“We’re a group of experienced people who work together regularly and can help with the elements most people don’t think about until they’re in the middle of a stressful situation and trying to make important decisions quickly.”
Among the often-overlooked challenges is managing property when an individual moves into long-term care. ECF can advise on solutions such as professional house sitting, alongside guidance on insurance, maintenance and security to protect what is often both a financial and emotional asset.
Chapman added: “For a lot of families, a home is tied up with memories and a sense of stability as well as being a valuable financial asset, which is why decisions around property can feel incredibly emotional during later life.
“The practical things like council tax, insurance, security, maintenance and ongoing upkeep can also become overwhelming, especially if decisions are being made during an already difficult or unexpected time.”
Ben Thomson, Director at William Purves Funeral Directors, said early conversations around care and end-of-life wishes are essential but frequently avoided.
“Too often, conversations about future care and funeral wishes are delayed because, understandably, people find them emotional or hard to face,” he said.
“But avoiding these discussions can leave families making important decisions under intense pressure at an already distressing and uncertain time.”
Financial planning is another key area where early action can make a significant difference. Martha Martindale, Financial Advisor at PW & Partners Ltd, said proactive advice can help families better manage and protect their assets.
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“Last-minute decisions can quickly rack up costs, so taking advice ahead of time helps people make informed choices about how best to manage their money,” she said.
“Whether it’s releasing funds to pay for care, investing for the future or putting a funeral plan in place, early financial planning gives families reassurance and access to the right support when they need it most.”
Edinburgh Care Forum is available to individuals and families across the city, offering guidance and support through a single, coordinated network. Those seeking advice can contact the forum via [email protected].
