It was World Alzheimer’s Month in September, a global awareness event that culminates in World Alzheimer’s Day, which is marked on 21 September each year.
57 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2021, according to the latest figures from the World Health Organisation, and every year there are nearly ten million new cases globally.
Dementia Friendly Solicitors
Today, nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia, and it is expected that one in two of us will be affected by the condition in our lifetime, through either caring for someone with the disease, developing it ourselves, or both.
Common dementia symptoms include memory loss, difficulty concentrating and confusion. It is a progressive disease which gets worse over time, and many people with dementia reach a point where they are unable to make decisions for themselves about many aspects of their life.
While he prevalence of dementia emphasises how critical it is to advocate for better support for those affected, it also highlights the importance of having in place the right legal documentation to protect you and your loved ones.
LPA Solicitors Alton
Along with a Will, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial legal document that everyone should have.
LPAs help individuals safeguard their futures by appointing someone they trust to make certain decisions for them should they lose the capacity to make those decisions themselves.
There are two main types of LPA:
- Property and financial affairs. This gives an attorney the power to make decisions relating to property and finances, including paying bills, selling a home, and managing bank accounts.
- Health and welfare. This enables an attorney to make decisions about your medical care and routine.
Anyone over the age of 18 who has mental capacity can make an LPA in England and Wales. Even if you are young and in good health, it is advisable to make one.
Benefits of Power of Attorney
Accidents can happen at any time and having an LPA in place has many benefits.
Some of the advantages of a power of attorney include:
- Safeguards your affairs.
You might not need to use a power of attorney anytime soon and may not even need it at all. However, if there ever comes a time you need it, an LPA acts as a valuable insurance policy.
An LPA enables you to appoint someone you trust to act in your best interests to make decisions about your finances and healthcare should you lack the capacity to make those decisions yourself.
If you lose capacity without a valid power of attorney in place, your family may instead face the lengthy and costly process of applying to the Court of Protection to act as your deputy.
- Means you retain control.
An LPA enables you to appoint someone, or several people, you trust to act as your attorney and make decisions on your behalf. You can also include instructions for your attorneys and specify exactly what they can do.
If no power of attorney exists, the court decides who to appoint as a deputy to act for you, who may not be the person you would choose.
- Reduces stress for loved ones.
A power of attorney allows you to give someone of your choosing the legal authority to make important decisions relating to your finances and care.
Without one, your family could struggle to agree on what is best, leading to disagreements and added stress at an already difficult time.
- Provides valuable peace of mind.
Making a power of attorney ensures you have taken the necessary steps to protect you and your loved ones against any unforeseen events.
An LPA provides reassurance and peace of mind for you and your family.
Power of Attorney Solicitors Alton
The best way to ensure your LPA is made correctly and efficiently is to seek specialist legal advice from a solicitor with experience in Powers of Attorney.
At Bookers & Bolton, our Lasting Powers of Attorney lawyers in Alton, Hampshire, will guide you through the process practically and compassionately. We can help by drawing up Powers of Attorney on your behalf or by completing the entire registration process.
Get in Touch
If you would like further information or advice regarding our Lasting Power of Attorney services, please get in touch with us on 01420 82881, email us at enquiries@bookersandbolton.co.uk or make an online enquiry.
