By Janet Malsch and Lee Lazenby, Open Arms Team
James approached the Open Arms team seeking advice for a difficult family situation. His brother, who suffers from dementia, was at risk of losing his care home space due to the financial misconduct of his life partner. Evidence suggested that his partner was exploiting him financially, which left James deeply concerned about his brother’s future care and support as his condition worsened.
During his initial visit, our Citizen Adviser discussed the next steps with James, providing clear and actionable advice. They recommended that James report the situation to the police to address the financial abuse. Additionally, they guided him on how to apply for a court of protection to safeguard his brother’s interests and provided tips on collaborating with the social care team to review and update his brother’s care plan.
Two weeks later, James returned to the Open Arms session to express his gratitude for the support he received. He shared that being able to talk with our team and receiving clear direction gave him the confidence to take necessary actions. With our guidance, he had reported the situation to the police, initiated the court of protection process, and engaged with the social care team to ensure his brother would receive the proper care.
James’ dedication, care, and love for his brother were evident. The distress he initially showed had transformed into a renewed sense of confidence and positivity when we saw him again. He thanked our team for the support, emphasizing how crucial it was in helping him navigate this challenging situation. He also mentioned that he would keep us updated on his brother’s situation.
James is a testament to the power of support and the positive impact that timely advice can have. His determination to protect his brother’s well-being and his proactive approach in seeking help reflect the core values of community and compassion that we strive to uphold at Open Arms. We are proud to have been a part of his journey and remain committed to supporting individuals facing similar challenges.