Evans + Webb - Solicitors - Advice for the elderly

Advice for the elderly

At some stage your elderly relatives may need assistance from you to look after their affairs and help them with their future. An Enduring Power of Attorney enables a person to appoint another to deal with their affairs, should they become unable to manage. The power is referred to as Enduring, because it continues in existence, even if the mental capacity of the elderly person later becomes impaired. At this stage the document is registered with the Court of Protection.

The document allows another person to deal with the finances and all aspects of someone’s life. For example, should they stay at home, with daily or live-in help, or should a nursing home be considered? When making an Enduring Power of Attorney it is important to choose your Attorney carefully, so that you can trust this person to make decisions that will be in your best interests and will suit you.

It is the elderly person themselves who must give instructions for the preparation of the Power of Attorney so it is important this is done before mental faculties become impaired. There is no need to wait until a certain age is reached – preparing in advance for all aspects of old age will give your nearest and dearest less to worry about and gives you the chance to express your wishes to them.

We can also put you in touch with agencies, approved and used by Social Services, who can provide the support and help your relative may need.