Alzheimers and Dementia
Alzheimers and Dementia. As a family member what can you do?
She doesn’t even know who I am!
Alzheimer’s disease can rob a person of the ability to recognise loved ones.
It can also lead to a situation where a person is no longer able to make financial or welfare decisions themselves because they are judged to have lost the mental capacity to make such decisions.
If this happens, others may have to make decisions for them. Quite often an application to the Court of Protection may be needed, which can be expensive.
What can you do?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) may provide the answer. There are two types –welfare and financial. They are complicated, but they provide safeguards against abuse while allowing a trusted person (family or friend) to take decisions on behalf of the incapacitated person.
It is important to remember that your loved one must have capacity to make a LPA and while they retain capacity they remain in control. The LPA only comes into effect if they lose capacity.
If it is already too late for a LPA, then you may need to make an application to the Court of Protection to be appointed as ‘Deputy’ to manage your incapacitated relative’s affairs.
If you would like more information about making a LPA, or how to apply to the Court of Protection, or advice on how we may be able to help your situation –now or in the future - please give us a call.
Julie Burton Law
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