Rise in Dementia cases: how can a Lasting Power of Attorney assist someone diagnosed with Dementia?
1 August 2024
An article by Today’s Wills & Probate reveals that NHS data shows a record number of 487,732 individuals in England received a Dementia diagnosis in June 2024. This is compared to 465,516 people being diagnosed with Dementia in June 2023. The NHS has a target of 66.7% of those with Dementia being diagnosed, this was last reached in 2019. The current estimate of people with Dementia diagnosed is 65%.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is really important, with dementia being one of the most diagnosed diseases, accessing monies and dealing with things may prove difficult if an LPA has not been created.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows people to nominate Attorneys who can deal with their financial and health decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so themselves. Having an LPA in place gives your Attorneys the ease of being able to access monies and deal with things on your behalf if you become mentally incapable.
How is a Lasting Power of Attorney created?
In order to create an LPA you must have full mental capacity to do so, if this is not the case then it may not be possible to do.
Types of Powers of Attorney
There are 5 different types of Powers of Attorneys; General Power of Attorney: Enduring Power of Attorney; Lasting Powers of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs; Lasting Powers of Attorney for Health and Welfare and Business Power of Attorney. Each LPA has different conditions and is used in different situations. We recommend you acquire legal advice in regards to which kind of Lasting Power of Attorney would best suit your needs.
How can Taylor Bracewell’s Wills, Probate & Trusts team assist you?
Our Wills, Probate & Trusts team are experts when it comes to advising clients on their personal matters, including Lasting Powers of Attorney. You can contact the Doncaster team by calling 01302 341414 or the Sheffield team by calling 0114 272 1884. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form.
