The number of people living with dementia has grown rapidly over the last few years, primarily because the population is living for longer. Dementia can affect a person’s cognitive functions and the ability to make decisions for themselves. If you’re searching for ‘Power of attorney dementia’, chances are that you or someone you love has been diagnosed with the condition, and you are keen to understand what arrangements you can put in place to protect your or their interests in the future.
At Birch & Co, we specialise in assisting clients with all aspects of future planning, including putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place.
Reach out to Birch & Co’s specialist and supportive team today. Call us on 0191 284 5030 or complete a Free Online Enquiry now to get a bespoke fixed price estimate.
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What Are Lasting Powers Of Attorney?
Lasting Powers of Attorney replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney when the Mental Capacity Act came into force in 2007. Unlike Enduring Powers of Attorney, which only addressed financial decisions, Lasting Powers of Attorney cover both financial and health matters.
Lasting Powers of Attorney allow anyone aged 18 or over to nominate the people they would like to make decisions on their behalf if they lose the mental capacity to make those decisions for themselves. The person who makes the Lasting Power of Attorney is called the ‘donor’, and the people they nominate to make the decisions are called their ‘attorneys’.
A donor can make two Lasting Powers of Attorney: a Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney and a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney.
Under a Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney, the attorneys are tasked with making decisions relating to the donor’s financial affairs. For example, they might be entitled to manage the donor’s investments and deal with any property they own.
Under a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney, the attorneys can make decisions relating to the donor’s medical care and lifestyle. For example, they might ensure that the donor’s daily hygiene routine is as they would have wished, decide on the medical treatment they should receive, and even agree to lifesaving medical interventions.
How Can Lasting Powers Of Attorneys Help People Living With Dementia?
A number of conditions fall under the umbrella of ‘dementia’, with the most common being Alzheimer’s Disease. According to World Health Organisation figures, Alzheimer’s Disease may account for up to 60-70% of dementia cases.
NHS statistics indicate that 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have been diagnosed with dementia in the UK. Dementia can cause a range of symptoms, and people living with the condition can experience the following issues:
- Memory loss.
- Impaired judgment.
- Reduced understanding.
- Trouble speaking.
- Mood changes.
Dementia can significantly impact a person’s daily life and render them unable to make decisions for themselves. If they have not put Lasting Power of Attorneys in place before they lose the capacity to make decisions, those decisions may be taken by people they don’t know and who have no understanding of their lifestyle and preferences. For example, decisions relating to medical treatment and lifesaving interventions may be taken by their medical team, and decisions about where they should live may be taken by a social worker.
Lasting Powers of Attorney enable a donor to empower people they trust to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make them for themselves, for example, because they develop dementia. Health and Welfare Lasting Powers of Attorney don’t take effect until the donor loses mental capacity. Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorneys take effect as soon as they are registered, but you can state that yours should only take effect if you lose mental capacity if you prefer.
How Can We Help With Powers Of Attorney For Those Living With Dementia?
If you have been diagnosed with dementia, it’s important to make plans for your future while you still have the mental capacity to do so. Lasting Powers of Attorney offer a straightforward, cost-efficient way through which you can ensure the people you love and trust are legally entitled to make decisions on your behalf if there comes a time when you can’t make them for yourself.
Our Lasting Powers of Attorney solicitors have been helping people living with dementia with their future planning for decades. We understand the challenges you may be facing and are here to provide exceptional legal advice combined with outstanding client care and a personal touch. We will guide you through the process and will prepare Lasting Powers of Attorney that accurately record your wishes and protect your interests, giving you peace of mind that everything is in order should your loved ones need to take control of your affairs.
Reach out to Birch & Co’s specialist and supportive team today. Call us on 0191 284 5030 or complete a Free Online Enquiry now to get a bespoke fixed price estimate.
“I cannot fault the professionalism and helpfulness throughout what has been a difficult time. I would not hesitate to use your services again and would recommend you to others.” (Mrs Surtees)
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