Cognitive Law’s Later Life Solicitor, Richard Bates, is using virtual technology to continue his weekly presence at Barchester’s Mortain Place Residential Home in Eastbourne, all from his office in Brighton.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Richard worked from Mortain Place every Tuesday, acting as their in-home legal adviser to residents and their families. His weekly visits, along with pup, Bel, were very much welcomed by all the staff and residents. Offering a friendly face and a chat, about what can sometimes be sensitive legal issues, means Richard has built up a valuable relationship with everyone in the care home.

Unfortunately, due to the closure of Barchester Care Homes to visitors as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, has meant Richard’s weekly visits have had to be temporarily stopped. However, it comes at a time when the current health crisis has led to a surge in enquiries for later life services, including wills, powers of attorney, care planning and placement, probate and inheritance tax planning. Now more than ever, Richard’s assistance at the residential home is in high demand.

Therefore, to ensure residents and families still have access to legal advice, Richard will continue his weekly Tuesday presence at Mortain Place, but on a virtual basis and will remain available to speak with anyone at the care home or their wider families. The wonders of technology mean Richard can continue face to face meetings via FaceTime, Skype, Whatsapp video call or even Zoom video conferencing. Bel the pup is a little disappointed she’ll miss out on all the weekly cuddles from residents, but at least they’ll be able to see her (usually sleeping).

All the staff at Mortain Place are equipped with the technology required and are always on hand to help the residents with arranging a meeting and enabling the meeting to go ahead without any stress, and still in the comfort of their home. For those outside the home wishing to speak with Richard, you will find his contact details below.

Although Tuesdays are dedicated to advising the residents of Mortain Place, Richard is now fully set up to hold all his client meetings in this way. To ensure the safety and health of the elderly Cognitive Law has new measures in place to be able to continue providing clients with an efficient high-quality service at a time they need it the most, without the necessity of any physical contact. We also have a protocol for signing and witnessing documents lawfully, even if the person concerned is in isolation.

Cognitive Law would like to reassure its clients that operations continue as normal and that our later life legal advisers are on hand to help and support those who need it.

Although these uncertain times have bought about a new way of meeting and working with clients and residents, Cognitive Law and Barchester are embracing the new technology and very much look forward to continue providing value added services to residents and clients across Sussex.

If you have any later life issues that you’d like to discuss with Richard Bates please do get in contact with him on

Phone, Whatsapp & FaceTime 07866 547366

Email richard.bates@cognitivelaw.co.uk

Skype & Zoom richard.bates@cognitivelaw.co.uk

Later Life Planning and Wealth Management