Dementia Action Week: Empower your loved ones with Lasting Powers of Attorney

The 13th – 19th May 2024 marks Dementia Action Week, a poignant time to address the challenges faced by those living with dementia and their loved ones.

A vital part of supporting a loved one who is showing signs of dementia or even before this is the case, is to encourage them to prepare a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) before they lose the required understanding to do so.

In recent years, the understanding and utilisation of LPAs has grown significantly. LPAs enable you to designate trusted representatives, known as ‘attorneys’, to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity. Although LPAs are often associated with financial and property matters, there is also an LPA that allows your appointed attorney to make decisions about your health and welfare. This means LPAs offer comprehensive protection for people facing challenges caused by dementia, as having a trusted relative or friend to make decisions on your behalf can better protect your assets and your overall interests.

Appointing a trusted relative or friend as your attorney also means that you can maintain a degree of autonomy and control over your affairs, even as cognitive abilities decline. By appointing someone you trust to act in your best interests, you can ensure that your preferences regarding medical treatment, living arrangements, and other personal matters are upheld.

Not only that, but LPAs can play a crucial role in avoiding potential conflicts or uncertainties among family members regarding decision-making responsibilities. By clearly outlining preferences and authorising specific individuals to act on your behalf, decisions are not left up to interpretation or guesswork. By granting someone Lasting Power of Attorney over your affairs and working with a trusted legal provider, you can ensure your wishes are carried out and there is no confusion over who is responsible for which decision.

As we welcome Dementia Action Week in 2024, JCP Solicitors remains committed to raising awareness of the impact dementia can have on all areas of life. By appointing an LPA whilst you are fit and well, individuals can feel empowered in the knowledge that their wishes will be followed. This can grant more confidence, and enhance quality of life, all by giving you peace of mind that someone will keep your best interests at heart.

For more information on Lasting Powers of Attorney, contact JCP Solicitors’ Lifetime Planning team and find out more here.