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Prepare for dementia—plan ahead

BY READERS DIGEST

1st Jan 2015 Insurance & Legal

Prepare for dementia—plan ahead
Dementia brings with it so many challenges, both for the sufferer and for their loved ones. Not least is who—if anyone—can make decisions for the sufferer as their condition progresses. The key is to plan ahead. 

Don’t take the risk—plan ahead

Every day families are left wondering what they can do to help their friend or family member, who may be unable to make decisions for themselves as a result of dementia. Paying bills, controlling bank accounts, selling property, making decisions about where to live, what to wear and which medical treatments are acceptable are just a few of the decisions that might need to be made.
Without planning for the possibility of becoming a dementia sufferer, loved ones may be left in the unenviable position of having to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a Deputy.
Applying for Deputyship is a long, complex, intrusive and costly procedure. Anyone who’s been unlucky enough to experience the process would certainly agree it’s something best avoided where possible. And avoiding this court process is entirely possible—by planning ahead. 

Lasting Power of Attorney

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:
  1. One that allows a person to nominate the people they trust to manage their financial affairs in the event of their mental incapacity
  2. Another that allows the nomination of trusted people to make decisions about health and welfare. In this case, these trusted people could even be given authority to make decisions about life-sustaining treatment.

What next?

A Lasting Power of Attorney needn’t cost the earth and can be arranged in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
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