Q: I am getting old, have no contact with family and am having sleepless nights about what will happen to me if I get Alzheimer’s. Who will look after me, organize my funeral, make sure I am legally sorted? I really don’t know what to do. Can you advise me, please?
A: With reports of more people developing Alzheimer’s and dementia, you are not alone in your concerns. Firstly, you can create a Lasting Power of Attorney (‘LPA’) appointing someone to make decisions on your behalf should you lose capacity to make your own decisions. The person or persons you appoint are known as your attorney(s). As an alternative to family members, attorneys can be trusted friends or professionals such as solicitors. Attorney(s) must be aged 18 or over.
There are two different types of LPA available, one for your health and welfare and one for your property and financial affairs. You can choose to make one type or both types. You can also include preferences and instructions for your attorney(s) in an LPA. This can, for example, include preferences about care and treatment you receive and might be most relevant when appointing professional attorneys who are not otherwise aware of your wishes.
Once created, an LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. You can prepare and register an LPA yourself, or you might prefer to instruct a solicitor to ensure it is done correctly. It would also be advisable for you to make or update your Will, wherein you can specify arrangements for your funeral and who will be responsible for dealing with your affairs after you pass away. You can appoint anyone as the executor(s) of your will, again, in your circumstances, perhaps a trusted friend or a professional.
Finally, setting up a pre-paid funeral plan now would ensure that your desired funeral can be paid if that is a concern.
This question has been answered by Ulia Choudhry, a Partner with GHP Legal. If you would like to speak to someone about this or any other legal matter, please visit our website www.ghplegal.com and use the contact us form, or call us on: Wrexham 01978 291456, Llangollen 01978 860313, Oswestry 01691 659194
