Nellie on the Sofa – Free Health, Social Care & Legal Webinars

In this special lived-experience episode of Nellie On the Sofa, Richard Russell joins us to explore how dementia affects real-world decision-making and why mental capacity can look “intact” in conversation while being fundamentally impaired in practice. Drawing on detailed lived experience of caring for his mum, who lives with vascular dementia and diabetes, Richard and Ben unpack the “perception gap” that often appears in capacity work: where someone can describe individual steps (medication, blood glucose checks, meal planning) but cannot integrate them into a safe, coherent plan of action. This session is essential viewing for solicitors, deputies, will writers, social workers and safeguarding professionals working with capacity-related decisions. Topics covered include: Diabetes management and loss of capacity: when “knowing the steps” isn’t enough Mental capacity assessment practice and why early red flags can be missed The role of carers, social workers and safeguarding in real-world evidence gathering Documentation and communication: how families and professionals can evidence concerns clearly Key takeaways: In dementia cases, standardised questions alone can be misleading without collateral input and observable evidence (missed meds, unsafe cooking, falls). Dementia-related false beliefs and accusations can trigger safeguarding processes and place emotional strain on attorneys and carers. 📌 Learn more about Nellie Supports: https://www.nelliesupports.com 📩 Contact: nellie@nelliesupports.com This recording is for general information and training. It is not legal advice. #NellieSupports #OnTheSofa #MentalCapacity

In this episode of On the Sofa with Nellie Supports, Stuart Parris explores how contentious deputyship applications arise and how the Court of Protection approaches disputes about who should act for P. We discuss the most common drivers of conflict (objections and cross-applications), what happens in practice before a matter reaches trial, and how judges weigh capacity and best interests across Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare. Key Topics Covered: - How contentious deputyship applications arise and how courts resolve them - The key differences between LPAs and deputyships - When professional (panel) deputies are preferred over family members - How capacity is assessed — and what happens when someone regains it - The role of local authorities in safeguarding, and how families can push back - Health and welfare deputyships and when courts make decision-specific orders instead Who should watch: Court of Protection and private client solicitors, professional and lay deputies/attorneys, social workers, safeguarding teams, and anyone involved in deputyship disputes. Learn more about Nellie Supports: https://www.nelliesupports.com Contact: nellie@nelliesupports.com or call 03339875118 Disclaimer: *This recording is for general information only and is not legal advice*. #NellieSupports #OnTheSofa #CourtOfProtection #Deputyship #MentalCapacity #BestInterests #Safeguarding #PrivateClientLaw

Technology in the legal industry is moving fast. In this session, former private client partner turned legal-tech lead Andy Hitchon gives us a glimpse into how AI can support your business as a legal professional and not harm it: where AI genuinely helps today, how digital wills and remote ID processes are shaping practice, and the risks firms must manage to stay compliant and defensible. In this episode you’ll learn: • Practical AI use cases for private client and Court of Protection work: triage, precedent/drafting support, LPA/CoP paperwork etc • Digital wills and e-signing: current position, capacity and safeguarding considerations, witnessing pitfalls, and when paper still wins • Risk and Governance: confidentiality, data protection, audit trails, model bias, supervision and controls Who should watch: Private client and CoP solicitors, deputies/attorneys, practice managers, and compliance leads Explore support from Nellie Supports: https://www.nelliesupports.com Contact us: nellie@nelliesupports.com If this helped, please like, subscribe and tap the bell for future episodes. #OnTheSofa #LegalTech #PrivateClient #CourtOfProtection

CHC Funding Demystified | On the Sofa ft. Ruth Tarr NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) can fully fund a person’s care, yet the path from checklist to getting the funding often feels like a maze. In this episode, Ruth Tarr breaks CHC into what we can understand: who really qualifies, what a Decision Support Tool (DST) is and what to expect at MDT meetings, when Fast-Track applies, and what to do after a refusal. What you’ll learn The CHC eligibility logic: understanding the primary health need Step-by-step pathway: From first checklist to appeals Building persuasive evidence across the DST domains (nature, intensity, complexity, unpredictability) When and how to use the Fast-Track pathway Refusals and reviews: structuring appeals that stick Why representation matters during the process Who should watch Private client/COP solicitors, deputies & attorneys, social workers, case managers, and family advocates supporting complex health needs. Resources Learn about our CHC Appeals service: https://www.nelliesupports.com/services/nhs-continuing-healthcare-chc-appeals Refer a case or contact us: nellie@nelliesupports.com or call 03339875118 Note: This video provides general information, not legal or clinical advice. Always consider the specifics of your case and local guidance. If this was helpful, please like, subscribe, and tap the bell to catch future episodes.