Old Mill’s Carolyn Matravers achieves Gold Standard in later life advice by becoming SOLLA accredited adviser

Carolyn Matravers, an adviser at Exeter financial planning firm Old Mill, has been welcomed into the prestigious Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) organisation.

SOLLA was formed in 2008 as a ‘not for profit’ society dedicated to helping people and their families find trusted accredited financial advisers who understand the financial needs of later life.

SOLLA accreditation is the Gold Standard for later life financial advice, and all advisers have to pass a rigorous assessment and attain the required qualifications to gain accreditation.

All SOLLA advisers are also independently assessed for the quality of advice that they give and listed on the SOLLA website to allow older people and their families to find an accredited adviser near them.

Old Mill also has offices in Wells, Yeovil and Melksham and Carolyn will work with clients from all four. She is the second Old Mill adviser to become accredited; the other is Chris Tweedie, who qualified five years ago.

She said: “The increasingly complex nature of later life finances means that it can be a total minefield for older people and their families, so having expert advice from someone who can take a holistic view of the whole later life market, as well as care funding matters, is absolutely vital.”

Carolyn says that often advisers will have knowledge in some areas but not others.

“This means that many older people are either not getting enough help or support for their needs, or are receiving incomplete or inaccurate advice,” she said.

Carolyn continues: “My role is to provide support, guidance and a listening ear at a most vulnerable time for individuals and their families. My 19 years of experience means I can help people navigate the complexities of the care system and provide the information required to make informed financial decisions.”

Carolyn covers everything from ensuring that the individual is receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled, to addressing the more complex financial planning needs.

Carolyn works closely with her clients, their children and grandchildren and alongside accountants, other financial planners and solicitors. She carries out direct work which includes liaising with the Office of the Public Guardian and acting as a mediator between families and the Local Authority.

Carolyn has already helped many older people and their families; Barry Tucker approached Carolyn when he needed help and advice for his elderly mother and was really impressed with Carolyn’s professionalism, knowledge and compassion.

He said: “Apart from the professional advice and guidance, I was impressed by the personal care that was shown towards my mother. Moving into residential care is a huge psychological leap but Carolyn took time to understand my mother’s concerns and wishes, showing continuing interest and support.”

To find out more about how Carolyn and the Old Mill later life team can help you, your family and your business, visit https://om.uk/services/later-life-planning/ email carolyn.matravers@om.uk or give her a call for an informal chat on 01935 709334 or 07825 620028.