Wills and Legacies Adviser case study

Sadly, Stanley passed away a year later. Mrs Jones told us about how Androw’s advice and support has helped her.

Help with writing wills

'My husband Stanley and I had previously made wills through our bank but we weren’t happy with them, so we contacted Help the Aged for some impartial advice. Androw rang and arranged to come and visit us. He put us at ease immediately and helped us to get on with planning new wills. 

'Stan and I asked Androw if he could write the wills. He explained that Help the Aged Advisors don’t write wills themselves, but they can arrange for an independent solicitor to draw up the will. 

'I was very concerned that if anything happened to me, and Stan was left on his own, he just wouldn’t be able to cope with sorting everything out, so through Androw we arranged for Help the Aged to be Executor for my will. We were happy to include a gift to Help the Aged in our wills to cover the costs involved, and to support the wonderful work that the Charity does for elderly people in need.'

A personal service

Androw visited us several times to be sure the Wills were exactly we wanted. I can remember him still being here after normal work hours – I don’t know what his wife must think! 

'He left his phone number and said to call him anytime we needed his help. We didn’t get anything like that level of service from the bank and all his advice was free. 

'He really understands the problems older people face'

'Talking with Androw is a much more personal way of doing things. Because he’s from Help the Aged you know it’s not a business matter, he really understands the problems older people face.' 

Leaving a gift to help others

Mrs Jones has had long-term health problems, including ulcerative colitis, deep vein thrombosis, and osteoporosis requiring spinal surgery, so getting around isn’t easy.  Despite this she’s been kind enough to think of others who are worse off.

'I worked for the Priory Press and Stan was a plumber – he helped to modernise the ancient plumbing in Cardiff castle.  We put a bit aside, and I’m so glad we did.

'I know I’ve suffered but there must so many other people out there going through things like this with barely two ha’pennies to rub together. It’s good to know that the gifts in our wills are going to help people be more comfortable and have a better quality of life as they’re getting older.'

Executing a will

Although Mrs Jones is Executor for her husband’s will, she hadn’t realised how much work is involved.

'When Stan died I only had to lift the phone and Androw came straight to the hospital. Since then he’s done so much on my behalf.  I don’t think I could have done it on my own. Androw registered the death, helped to organise the funeral, and he’s written lots of letters to sort out Stan’s savings and finances. 

'Help the Aged is my Executor, so when I’m gone I know everything will be properly looked after. I can’t think of anyone else who could have given the kind of service Androw has – it’s been marvellous.

'I would recommend Help the Aged’s will advice service to anyone. It’s all about trust.'

'I would recommend Help the Aged’s will advice service to anyone. To do Androw’s job you have to have the right personality, to make people feel safe and secure. It’s all about trust. He’s become more of a friend to me now.'