Methodist Homes

Lakesrunner12

My mum lives in sheltered housing run by Methodist Homes and I have power of attorney so sort all of her financial affairs. I have just been told that my mum has an outstanding debt of £11,400. I have had no previous communication about this and she has been in the home since 2021. In February last year, they sent me an email asking to increase my standing order to cover the rent but I missed this email and have heard nothing since, no statements sent and no suggestion that we were ever in debt. When I have spoken to the housing officer at MHA today, she has said there are many people who have been alerted recently to their debt and we were nowhere near the most in debt - is anyone else in the same boat and what can we do??

DE_612183

Have you asked for a breakdown of what the debt entails?

Is it for the sinking fund or repairs carried out for the whole building?

Flugelhorn

Definitely need a breakdown of the charges and account back to 2021! Presume you have had PoA since that time

FamilyCole

I have a relative who lives in MHA retirement assisted living who has had a similar letter with debts from 2022 that we were unaware of. We will be following this up and alerting the Charities Commission. 

Aitch7

I'm so sorry to hear of the financial issues you are having with MHA - we are in the same boat and have lived through 11 years of utter hell with MHA on so many fronts that have pretty much broken me.  We now have letters sent to us as they made my elderly mother ill with worry.  On many visits over the years I have spoken to other distressed residents who are worrying about bills - it's heart breaking.

On one occasion after spending 3 days trying to speak to their accountant, I finally got through and he told me that my figures were right and his were clearly wrong and he would make the extra money 'disappear'.  Most residents pay bills they don't understand and often have no idea where the figures come from.

There is so much I could say about this organization but I'm afraid to say more here -  I will say please get in touch with me privately which I think you can do on this site.  All MHA residents are vulnerable and should be respected, given clear accessible information and treated with kindness - I've met amazing residents over the years and they deserve better.  

crusader49

If anyone else is having problems with MHA accounts I found the National Debt Helpline very good …also the Leasehold Advisory Service will discuss leasehold problems and payments.
I think there are many others in a similar situation.