THE elderly are facing tremendous challenges in meeting their care, welfare, health and financial needs, today and into the future.

Even with the recent announcements of changes in the thresholds of social care charges, due to materialise in 2017, little will change.

The deplorable treatment of some elderly people in a minority of hospitals and care homes is sickening.

As we all get older, we may need the assistance of others to stand up for us.

This is never more the case when issues such as dementia, memory loss, stroke etc affect the ability to communicate and be understood.

As a solicitor meeting clients in some of these circumstances, I appreciate the peace of mind that can be gained from ensuring their affairs are in order before an event takes control from them.

A complete package of legal considerations should be taken by anyone, regardless of age, to ensure their interests and affairs are taken care of for the future.

This would include a will and lasting powers of attorney.

I would urge all readers to consider these issues and make an appointment with a local solicitor.

Peter Gibson, Coles Solicitors, Micklegate, York.