Lasting Powers of Attorney
Did you know that one in 14 people over the age of 65 currently live with the effects of dementia? The likelihood of developing dementia significantly increases with age. It can affect younger people too – there are more than 42,000 people under the age of 65 currently registered as suffering with dementia. Having Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) put into place while you still have mental capacity ensures that your wishes can be carried out, and that you have someone you can trust and rely upon to make decisions which are in your best interests.
If you do not make LPAs, it may be necessary to make an application to the Court of Protection to appoint someone (known as a Deputy) should you lose capacity for any reason, not just dementia. Stroke, accident, illness, or any number of unforeseen events may cause you to lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself. The appointment of a Deputy is a long and expensive process, which can lead to disputes amongst family members. The Deputy appointed may not deal with you and your property and finances as you would wish. Why leave it to chance?
There is a common misconception that LPAs are only for those who have dementia related illnesses. Whilst it is true that a great many LPAs are registered when people are showing early signs of dementia, other illnesses could trigger a loss of mental capacity, for example stroke, coma, delirium, concussion, severe mental health problems, neuro-disability/brain injury, and alcohol and drug misuse.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A document in which you appoint someone to make the decisions and look after your affairs as you would do if you were able to.
There are two types of LPA –
Health and Welfare – this allows your Attorney(s) to make decisions on your health and welfare, but only when you no longer have the mental capacity to do so yourself.
Property and Finance- this allows your Attorney(s) to deal with your property and finance as per your wishes, even before mental capacity is lost.
It is, of course, possible to only have one of the two types, but it is usual, and indeed recommended to have both.
What can Adrian J Knight Ltd do for you?
We have many years’ experience of preparing and registering LPAs. We have a friendly and professional team, and are happy to meet with you at your home, in our shop, or over the telephone to explain our services to you. If you feel that LPAs are the right thing to do for you, or would like to have a chat about LPAs, then please call us on 01909 281277.
