What can you do to prepare for the future?

With one in six people over the age of 80 being diagnosed with dementia, what can you do to prepare for the future?

Currently, there are 850,000 people living with dementia with this figure set to rise to over a million by 2025. 'Dementia' describes the different brain disorders which trigger loss of brain function.  

Many people who live with dementia reach a point where they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves. A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document which can allow friends or family members to assist to make those decisions on their behalf. These decisions can be made in relation to their health and welfare or to manage their finances.

Who can make a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Anyone who is over the age of eighteen and has mental capacity – this means that they understand the nature and effect of the Lasting Power of Attorney.

If you are incapable of understanding, then a Lasting Power of Attorney cannot be made and a deputyship application would instead need to be made on your behalf. This may mean that you will not have a choice over who manages your affairs.

What are the benefits?

• You can decide who can make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make those decisions yourself.
• A Lasting Power of Attorney makes it easier for your family and friends to make those decisions in the future.
• It can be more difficult, costly and time consuming for your friends and family to get authority to deal with your affairs if you are unable to give the authority by way of a Lasting Power of Attorney.

If you have any queries about a Lasting Power of Attorney or putting one in place, please contact our Wills & Probate team by calling 0113 201 4900 or emailing wills.probate@emsleys.co.uk.