Dementia and Lasting Powers of Attorney

Dementia is a debilitating and progressive condition that is currently affecting 850,000 people in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

It is a term used to describe the effects of brain damage caused by diseases, like Alzheimer’s, or strokes or even head injuries. Symptoms include memory loss and the inability to think straight.

But it’s a staggering fact that with so many people unable to make decisions for themselves, latest figures reveal that only 246,000 Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) were registered in 2013.

LPAs allow people to nominate one or more family members or friends that they trust to make decisions on their behalf if they ever lose mental capacity. Slowly watching your loved one lose the ability to do everyday things like feeding and dressing is a harrowing experience. But having an LPA in place at least means you can legally make decisions regarding their care and finances.

Without an LPA, application to act on someone’s behalf has to be made to a court. This can take a long time and prove expensive.

Contact Heritage Will Writing on 02380 879243 now because everyone should have an LPA in place to cover unforeseen illnesses or injuries.