The Incapacity Crisis – A nation unprepared?

Solicitors for the Elderly, an organisation which I am a full accredited member of, has been working with the Centre for Future Studies to understand the impact of the increase in prevalence of those living with dementia.

Their findings have shown that the number of people diagnosed with dementia has increased by 53.4% in just over 10 years. This figure does not include those who are undiagnosed or those who currently do not have a diagnosis. It is estimated that the number of people currently living with dementia whether diagnosed or undiagnosed could be in excess of 850,000. The projections for the future show that there could be at least 1.3m people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 with that figure doubling by 2050. 

In practice, we talk to all of our clients irrespective of their ages about Lasting Powers of Attorney. There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney, one relates to health and care decisions and the other to financial decisions. Despite the increase in awareness of dementia and the issues which can arrive when clients have failed to plan, there is still a general reticence in a large section of the population to plan for mental incapacity. 

SFE carried out a poll which found 65% of people believed that their next of kin can make medical care decisions for them. This is not the case.

Our job is very often to start the conversation with clients about what would happen if they were alive but became incapacitated. Whilst this is a difficult conversation to have, it is vital that clients and their wider friends and family start thinking about what would happen if they were unable to make health care and financial decisions in the future. 

To speak to one of our team about Powers of Attorney on a no obligation basis, please contact 0113 201 4900 or email wills.probate@emsleys.co.uk