powers of attorney

Savvy_Sue

howied wrote: »

I urge others out there with elderly parents to do the same as this allows you to deal with their affairs if they should fall ill or become unable to have the mental capacity to make those decisions.

Indeed, I've been encouraging my in-laws to do this, as FIL does have mild (although increasingly moderate) dementia. However, they are resistant ...

Mojisola

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Indeed, I've been encouraging my in-laws to do this, as FIL does have mild (although increasingly moderate) dementia. However, they are resistant ...

Some people are reluctant because they think that as soon as they sign the paperwork, someone else is going to take over their life. My parents took some convincing that signing the paperwork was like an insurance policy that you could use if it was needed but, otherwise, it doesn't need to be acted on.

Savvy_Sue

Mojisola wrote: »

Some people are reluctant because they think that as soon as they sign the paperwork, someone else is going to take over their life. My parents took some convincing that signing the paperwork was like an insurance policy that you could use if it was needed but, otherwise, it doesn't need to be acted on.

I don't even think it's that. Some of the time, Dad's in denial that there's anything wrong with him, and Mum doesn't like to force the issue in case it upsets him. She's in denial that he's as bad as he is: it's not just his dementia, it's physical problems too, their life is so restricted now but it's crept up on them so I don't think they see it. I find he's worse every time we see them.

I will try to bring it up again once we've sorted ours out (should be in the next couple of weeks), but I'm not hopeful. I think Dad has capacity sometimes, but not all the time.

Filey

Mojisola wrote: »

Some people are reluctant because they think that as soon as they sign the paperwork, someone else is going to take over their life. My parents took some convincing that signing the paperwork was like an insurance policy that you could use if it was needed but, otherwise, it doesn't need to be acted on.

I've recently set up P o As and named 2 of my daughters as attorneys. The forms are now registered in the appropriate place and the paperwork is held along with my will etc by the solicitor. It will remain there un-needed until such time as as I can no longer cope with various aspects of my life.

I have also written an Advance Directive stating what I do or don't want to be done should I become ill enough or unconscious enough to be unable to say at the time.

dancingfairy

Whilst I don't believe you can access individual accounts you should be able to make small decisions about her finances and care without the proper POA. However you will probably need to get one in place.
I suggest communicating with those that are owed money and explain that you will need to apply for a deputyship.
If the situation becomes urgent (ie the home threatens to throw her out for non payment of her fees or something) then you can apply for an interim or emergency order which I believe can be dealt with within 48 hours but otherwise I believe you have to place a public notice and wait a certain period of time to see if there are any objections.
Someone like ageuk or age concern would almost certainly have factsheets on their website regarding finances/deputyships (and all the various funding options for care).
df3

Armchair23

Some real life experiences here.

When my Mum was in hospital last year I tried to get an LPA. Her care manager at the hospital wouldn't agree too sign it and the local solicitor who theoritically dealt with LPAs wouldn't either. Basically they were covering their own !!!!. It took me a while to work out they had absolutely no concern for my Mother's rights or needs they just wanted to make sure they didn't get sued.

My Mum got stuck in this weird hinterland where she was
considered capable enough to go home on her own but was considered incapable of signing a LPA. Well that's really helpfull.

For what it's worth the Guardianship Office are exceptionally slow stupid and unhelpfull. If you must go down that route fine. But don't think they are there to help you or your unfortunate relative

Sorry that's not very helpful just needed a minor rant....

Morglin

When my mum developed Dementia, Dad and I agreed that I should be made LPA for both of them - simply in case he got ill at a later date.

Dad's was straightforward, but Mums took much longer, as there had to be medical examinations etc., and the GP charged for doing his one on Mum...

Mum has since died, but I have Dads, although I haven't needed it yet, and, really, it would make sense if more older people did this - I certainly will.

It wasn't cheap, as Dad wanted me to hold both parts - health issues snd the finances, but still worth doing.

However, I must confess I found the forms a bit confusing, and did get my solicitor to just check I had done it all correctly before I sent them off. It Was a few weeks before we heard anything, so not a quick process.

Lin