Workshops to help advisers understand risks associated with helping elderly clients plan for later life will be held across the UK in October and November.
The workshops have been organised by Octopus Investments (Octopus), a UK fund management business whose involvement in specialist sectors includes healthcare, and the Society of Later Life advisers (SOLLA).
The workshops are aimed at advisers working with elderly clients and in particular dealing with cases where an attorney or a deputy has been appointed.
Topics covered will include risk profiling in estate planning and practical aspects of decision making on behalf of others, as well as legal and financial aspects of working with clients who could be affected by capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
There will be legal case studies from Tish Hanifan, joint chair at SOLLA and a barrister who specialises in older client matters.
Hanifan, said: "Many financial advisers either already work with other professional advisers, such as solicitors and accountants, or are looking to do so. These SOLLA seminars in conjunction with Octopus will ensure that they have sufficient understanding of the legal aspects involved to be able to integrate their advice effectively."
There will be case studies to help advisers explore the risks and considerations that can arise with later life planning, and material to help expand on the day's learning.
Mark Williams, business line manager for inheritance tax solutions at Octopus, said: "Dealing with important financial issues in later life can be a tricky subject for many elderly clients and their families. Understanding the risks and decisions associated with estate planning can be difficult and sometimes emotional for those involved, which is why we're keen to help advisers understand some of the tools at their disposal for addressing their clients' problems as effectively as possible.
"It's important that advisers are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help them develop the right financial plan for their clients. Understanding the full range of options available to clients is key to advisers being able to confidently recommend estate planning strategies to overcome what can often be quite complex problems. These seminars aim to ensure that advisers are in a strong position to do that."
