Qualia Law: Financial Safeguarding for Older Vulnerable People in Wales

In this guest post, Tom Evans writes about how Qualia Law is changing the lives of older people in Wales with not-for-profit legal advice and financial safeguarding.

When Alison, a lady in her 80s living with dementia, came under the care of Qualia Law, she was living in a residential home. This was not her preferred choice, but because financial and practical barriers made returning to her own property impossible. Her house needed urgent work, her income payments were suspended, and she no longer had the capacity to manage complex financial decisions. Without intervention, remaining in long-term residential care appeared inevitable.

A Qualia Law solicitor was appointed by the Court of Protection as Alison’s Deputy for Property and Financial Affairs. As a Cardiff-based, non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), Qualia Law’s mission is to protect vulnerable adults’ finances and wellbeing while enabling them to live in the environment they choose wherever possible. We combine the skills of expert solicitors with a values-driven, person-centred approach—and any surplus we generate is reinvested to support vulnerable adults across Wales.

Understanding Alison’s Needs and Goals

Our first step was a detailed assessment of Alison’s financial position, property condition, and long-term care requirements. We consulted contractors, reviewed benefits entitlements, and considered every aspect of her circumstances. Crucially, we listened to what mattered most: her deep wish to return to the home she loved and to remain part of her local community.

To make Alison’s return home both safe and sustainable, we delivered a package of coordinated actions:

• Home adaptations and repairs: We arranged for the removal of an unsafe gas boiler and commissioned essential repairs, ensuring her house was warm, secure, and suitable.
• Financial management: As her professional deputy, we stabilised her finances, set budgets, and prioritised essential bills, giving her a clear and secure financial foundation.
• Income maximisation: By applying for the benefits she was entitled to, we increased her income to cover care and living costs.
• Reducing liabilities: We obtained a council tax exemption, significantly lowering her outgoings and allowing her resources to be used more effectively.

A Positive Outcome

Within a few months, Alison was able to move safely back into her own home. She regained independence and dignity, and her ongoing care could now be delivered in familiar surroundings. By resolving both financial and practical barriers, Alison avoided unnecessary long-term residential care—improving her quality of life and ensuring that public resources were used wisely.

Alison’s case illustrates how proactive deputyship can transform lives. It also shows that a person’s capacity or temporary difficulties managing their affairs should not be a barrier to living independently when the right support exists.

Tailored Support for Different Needs

Qualia Law CIC offers a range of services:

• Professional Deputyship (Court of Protection): For individuals who lack capacity, we act as their appointed deputy, managing property, finances, and liabilities in their best interests.
• Professional Attorney (Lasting Power of Attorney): For those who have capacity to make an LPA but need help managing particular aspects of their finances—perhaps due to ill health, complex assets, or family circumstances—we can act as their professional attorney.
• Advice and Guidance: We support families, attorneys, and other professionals. By focusing on the person, not just the paperwork, we create solutions that respect dignity and independence.

Why Our Work Matters

Across Wales, many people face sudden changes in capacity or circumstances: a stroke, progressive illness, or the loss of a spouse can leave finances and housing arrangements in disarray. Without skilled legal support, these individuals risk unnecessary care home placements, financial exploitation, or unmanaged debt. By stepping in as deputies or attorneys, Qualia Law CIC provides stability and ensures that decisions are made lawfully, transparently, and with compassion.

Get Support from Qualia Law

Anyone, whether a family member, friend, local authority, or third-sector organisation, can contact us directly for a confidential, no-obligation conversation. We will listen, explain options clearly, and guide you through the next steps.

Website: www.qualia-law.org
Phone: 0333 305 3057
Email: info@qualia-law.org

Qualia Law CIC, we are proud to help people across Wales stay where they belong: in their own homes, in control of their lives, and supported by a community that cares.

Qualia Law CIC is a Care & Repair Cymru Commercial Member. Find out more and see all our Commercial Members