Will anyone care for me?

QI‘m 72 and childless. I have three nieces who I’m not that close to. I’m increasingly worried about who will look after me when I’m older. I hear terrible stories about homes treating people badly, and I’ve no one who would come and check and, if needed, talk on my behalf. What can I put in place?

Judy, Kent

AI can hear that you’re really worried and, when that happens, we often forget to breathe and to open our rational mind. Take a few deep breaths and think whether your statement that there is nobody is strictly true. Think about your friends, especially someone younger, and your nieces, who I’m sure would all be happy to help you. Who is the executor of your will? Is it a family member or a solicitor? If it’s your solicitor, talk to them, as they may have some ideas. Also talk to Age UK (ageuk.org.uk; 0800 678 1602), as they will have come across this many times before, and will know what you can put in place to help you feel more secure about your future.