Posts tagged “Lasting Power of Attorney”

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Dementia cases will increase

Posted on 11th March 2022

By 2050 1.6million people in the UK could have dementia

Research shows that more than 153million people around the world could have dementia by 2050. That’s almost three times the 2019 figure.

Changes to the Lasting Power of Attorney process

Posted on 18th August 2021

A laptop with the government's online application page for Lasting Powers of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) help to protect you, your family, and your loved ones if you are unable to make decisions for yourself temporarily or in the longer term.

The current process to create and register your LPAs is largely paper-based and very detailed. This is one of the reasons why only 14% of British people have LPAs in place.

The government has now launched a consultation about the use of technology to reform the LPA process, improve access, and speed up the service.

Can I take Mum out of her care home?

Posted on 26th January 2021

A warm and friendly care home is often the best place for a vulnerable elderly person to live.

If your parent has been unwell or has been diagnosed with dementia, for example, they might not be able to live safely at home. They might be struggling with day-to-day activities like washing and preparing food. Round-the-clock support from trained professionals in a safe environment could help them to live their lives more fully and reduce their anxiety.

However, during the coronavirus pandemic some relatives have been concerned that they are unable to visit their loved ones and have been worried about the health risks they face. They have been shocked to discover that they can’t take them out of the care home to live with their family.

Why you need to plan today

Posted on 12th January 2021

One thing the coronavirus pandemic as taught us all is that we simply don’t know what’s around the corner.

While the vaccine roll-out is giving everyone hope that there will be a time when we can put these difficult days behind us, we are more aware than ever that accidents, illness, or disability can affect anyone at any time.

Updating LPAs

Posted on 15th December 2020

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) have launched a project to update the process of making and registering lasting powers of attorney (LPAs).

Initially they will hold a series of events and surveys that will lead to a formal consultation in spring 2021.

Supporting relatives in care homes

Posted on 30th September 2020

During the coronavirus pandemic we have seen some upsetting examples of how elderly people have felt lost and abandoned when their families are unable to visit them in their care home.

This has been an exceptional time. In most cases your loved ones will be happy and well looked after in their care home, but it isn’t surprising that many families wanted to bring their relatives home during the outbreak.

Tips for living safely with dementia

Posted on 21st September 2020

September is World Alzheimer’s Month which aims to raise awareness of the most common form of dementia and how it affects people in their everyday lives.

There is a lot of advice available that can help anyone who has a dementia diagnosis to live at home, independently and safely.

Why the OPG is encouraging people to set up LPAs

Posted on 14th August 2020

Last year the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) launched the ‘Your Voice, Your Decision’ campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to make lasting powers of attorney (LPAs).

LPAs to keep your pension savings safe

Posted on 17th July 2020

Recent freedoms for people with pension savings provide more choice about how they can be used.

If you are looking for a guaranteed income for life you can still buy an annuity. If you want more flexibility, you could take a cash lump sum and manage the rest of your savings throughout your retirement.

There’s even free PensionWise guidance from the government if you’re over 50, to help you make good decisions, depending on your circumstances

Why the OPG rejects thousands of LPAs

Posted on 18th June 2020

In the last 12 months (to April 2020) the Office of the Public Guardian OPG) rejected nearly 22,000 Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) applications in England and Wales.

An LPA could be the answer for people who are worried about how their financial affairs could be managed if they were seriously ill, even for a short time, during the coronavirus outbreak.