HELP PLEASE for an elderly 80-year old lady

VastiG

comeandgo said:

Has anyone actually contacted the company and told them she wants to cancel?

Yes, a dear friend of hers went to the company to explain Diana's situation to them but they didn't want to know a thing and said she will be held to the contract!  I then wrote to the company giving my explanation and asking for them to please cancel the contract because she is in such a bad way and they didn't even have the decency to respond or acknowledge receipt of my correspondence.

VastiG

Aylesbury_Duck said:

VastiG said:

Oh my goodness, I have just been informed by her partner that she in fact took an overdose the other evening because of the stress this is causing her.  I have told him to ensure she does not pay one more penny, but I would really like to help this dear lady!!

Leave the medical aspect of this to one side.  She doesn't have enhanced consumer rights as a result.  She needs to tackle this rationally, step by step, knowing that she has consumer rights that will afford a degree of protection from any excessive claim.  It might not be a quick resolution, if the company want to push this (as is their right, to be honest) then it could be many months of back and forth before it gets resolved, so the lady either needs to take a calmer approach to it, or formally hand over the responsibility of it to someone else to deal with on her behalf.

Well I said to her that I would try and deal with this on her behalf, hence me reaching out for some advice or guidance from the Forum.  I'm truly so grateful to everyone for responding, but what would be the best way to do this.  Do I need to contact the company stating that I am now dealing with this on her behalf or what would be the correct procedure to proceed?

MattMattMattUK

CKhalvashi said:

How would a salesperson know she has a conservatory, presumably at the rear of the property, if they weren't invited to the property to discuss this?

Google Maps provides you with an aerial view of every property in the UK (and indeed most in the world), these companies spend an hour looking on there to pick out all targets in a town.

VastiG

MattMattMattUK said:

CKhalvashi said:

How would a salesperson know she has a conservatory, presumably at the rear of the property, if they weren't invited to the property to discuss this?

Google Maps provides you with an aerial view of every property in the UK (and indeed most in the world), these companies spend an hour looking on there to pick out all targets in a town.

That's exactly what I thought ... thanks for confirming!

GSDMum

Sorry can't really help much. Wondering if it's a good idea to contract her son. I know I'd like to know if my parent was worrying themselves to death. Hopefully he'll be supportive, and it's maybe one worry (telling her son) she might feel is resolved.

Age Concern offers free legal help, and no doubt support. 

Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602

Free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days a year

VastiG

GSDMum said:

Sorry can't really help much. Wondering if it's a good idea to contract her son. I know I'd like to know if my parent was worrying themselves to death. Hopefully he'll be supportive, and it's maybe one worry (telling her son) she might feel is resolved.

Age Concern offers free legal help, and no doubt support. 

Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602

Free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days a year

I was in fact thinking EXACTLY the same!  I know that if it was my Mum, I would really want to know and step in to help and I also think it would carry more weight for him fighting on her behalf compared to me, a total stranger?  I actually did try Age UK, but didn't get very far I'm afraid, but thank you very much for the suggestion!

sheramber

if she has taken an overdose then her son should be told.

VastiG

sheramber said:

if she has taken an overdose then her son should be told.

Totally agree!  I've sent her partner a text to find out whether she has told her son or not and will definitely insist that he is told!

pinkshoes

She agreed to this in September 2020? Why has it not been installed yet?

What was the agreement about installation? Have they been back for any subsequent visits?

I assume this is the company:
http://www.ecohomesw.co.uk/

Being 80 years old should have nothing to do with ability to make decisions, unless of course she has dementia or similar? 

Or is she saying she was pressured into making this decision?

Did she have a sticker on her door saying no cold callers? (if not, get her one immediately).

Has she tried the complaints procedure on their website? 

I would write a letter on her behalf to the company and get her to sign it. Say that she was visited by a salesperson on <date>, and was pressured into signing for something she cannot afford, she made it clear to the salesman she has no means of paying for it, and that unless they issue a full refund of her deposit of <£X>, you will be taking the matter further with trading standards, Age concern legal team, and the small claims court if needs be.

Keep the letter to the point and don't waffle about anything else. 

kazwookie

May be a phone call to the local trading standards, to see if they have anything on this company.