8th May 2017 marks the start of Mental Health Awareness week, so you will have seen lots of posts on social media about the devastating effects of dementia. In the UK, 1 in 6 of those over 80 have dementia.  The number of people suffering with this cruel disease looks set to increase as we live longer.

It might be easier than you think to have a conversation with your parents and the senior members of your family about their thoughts and wishes for care in later life.  Could you use Mental Health Awareness week as a conversation starter?

Tell them that a Lasting Power of Attorney is a little like an insurance policy – you hope you never need it but it’s invaluable if you do.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney which can help avoid the costs of an application to the court of a deputyship order and will give your family or a friend the legal ability to care for you as you would wish:

A Health and Welfare LPA permits your attorney/s to act for you in matters concerning your personal affairs and welfare.

You will need to have two LPAs if you want your attorneys to take care of your property, finances, health and welfare.

Once your LPA’s are drafted they need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.

An LPA can be useful even when you are of sound mind. For example, if you had to go into hospital for a few weeks, or were away on an extended holiday your attorney(s) can look after your financial affairs for you.

You cannot make a Lasting Power of Attorney once you are suffering from mental incapacity. You MUST make this decision whilst you are fit and well.

There are several safeguards in place to make sure that your attorneys act in your best interests.  A registered LPA gives you the comfort of knowing that the people you have chosen can take of your affairs.

You will need a Certificate Provider – a professional who can assess your mental capacity and has knowledge of the relevant Mental Capacity legislation, or a friend who has known you for at least two years and is happy to sign to confirm your full understanding of the process and that you have not been pressured to make an LPA by another person.

Anyone who is over 18 and capable of understanding the document (known as the Donor).

We advise all our clients to consider having an LPA regardless of their age – anyone could suffer from an illness or accident that means that they cannot manage without help.  An LPA can provide peace of mind for everyone, whether they are 18, 108 or anywhere in between.

Your attorneys can make any decisions that you can make regarding the day-to-day running of your financial affairs, such as:

Your attorneys must only make decisions that are in your best interests.

Anyone over the age of eighteen can be appointed although usually it would be a close family member or professional. It is important to remember that the Attorney will have complete control of your finances, unless you impose conditions or restrictions.

There is no limit but between one and four is sensible.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets out the assumption that everyone has capacity unless or until it is clear that they do not.

Carisma Wills consultants are trained to carry out an assessment of mental capacity and you may still be able to make LPAs if your memory is not as good as it once was.  We will help you to make an LPA if we are certain that you understand the implications of making an LPA and that you are making the decisions through choice and without pressure from your attorneys.  If we are in any doubt, with your permission, we will ask your medical practitioner or a Mental Capacity Advocate for their professional opinion.

If you would like any help or guidance about making your Lasting Powers of Attorney please get in touch via our website: www.carismawills.co.uk