Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA):
The word Attorney in this instance refers to the actual person that you elect to sort out your affairs.
This is a legal document that allows you the donor to appoint one or more people (attorneys) to help you make decisions on your behalf, and this gives you more control over decisions that will have to be made when your own mental capacity starts to fail.
You must be 18 or over and at the time of making the LPA you must have the ability to make your own decisions.
You can also fill in the forms online if you feel competent to do so but please remember to check all your information as forms on or offline with incorrect or missing information will be returned to you causing further delays.
There will be costs attached to engaging the services of a solicitor as there were when Granny set up the forms for her mum, Granny used a solicitor and would recommend it for those like me who are still not totally au fait with computers.
It is possible to do it yourself online or using the paper forms, but you must feel 100% competent and check your information every step of the way. If you need assistance in finding someone to help you with making a will or creating Lasting Power of Attorney you will find help and advice at your local Age UK office.
There are two types of LPA:
1. Health and Welfare
One will allow your attorney to do things such as:
- Take care of your medical needs, collecting prescriptions etc.
- Decide on your daily needs, what you wear and what you eat
- Decide who you have contact with
- Decide whether you have lifesaving resuscitation treatment, assuming you have given your express permission. This will not come into force until you have lost mental capacity.
2. Property and financial affairs
Secondly, this one gives your attorney the power to:
- Buy and sell your property
- Pay your bills
- Collect your pension or benefits
- Manage your bank accounts
You can choose when this comes into effect, or it can be used straight after registration.
You can choose to make one type or both types of LPA.
Step-by-Step Guide
Choose your Attorney.
Fill in the forms which you will get from the Office of Public Guardian to appoint them as your Attorney.
Register your LPA with the office of public guardian, please note that this can take many weeks.
The registration fee is approximately £80+ unless you qualify for a reduction or exemption, you may be eligible if you are in receipt of certain benefits.
A comprehensive guide to every step of the way to completing and registering your LPA forms can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk then type “lasting power of attorney” in the search bar.
Contact details for Office of Public Guardian:
Email: customerservices@publicguardian.gov.uk
Tel 0300 456 0300
Making a Will
This is a very important subject for everyone living with Dementia.
A will is where you decide while you are still in possession of your faculties where all your worldly goods, moneys and property that you have amassed in your lifetime are dispersed to in accordance with your personal wishes following your passing.
There are many firms currently offering a will writing service but if you already have a solicitor then why not use their services as you probably have built up a friendship with them over the years.
You may also be interested in...
What are dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Sometimes this can be difficult and time-consuming, but stick with it as it is essential you get a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Alzheimer’s Support
Is there an Alzheimer’s online community group in your area? Check your local Alzheimer’s Associations for LGBTQ+ community members.
Getting an allocated carer or social worker
The person who is caring for a loved one has to ring the health and social care and ask for an assessment.
Lasting Power of Attorney and Wills
This is a very important subject for everyone living with Dementia.
Benefits
If you are living with dementia, or caring for someone with the condition, you may be eligible for some benefits if dementia affects your ability to work, or if you have extra costs because of it.
