The Alzheimer’s Society report that one in three people over the age of 65 will develop a form of dementia. Currently there are more than 700,000 people in the UK with dementia and that number will rise to one million by 2015.
Whilst no one wants to consider a future with dementia, Lawson-West can help you plan ahead now:-
Wills
Making a Will gives you peace of mind and means that your estate will not be subject to Intestacy Laws. Mental incapacity is one of the grounds on which a Will can be challenged so Lawson-West recommend you make a Will now. A Will can be changed if your circumstances change and, depending on the changes you want to make, you may not have to make a new Will but simply add a Codicil.
Living Wills
These can act as advance medical directives outlining what treatment you would want if circumstances worsened. Not all areas covered in a Living Will are legally enforceable, but they do act as guidance for loved ones and carers who may later have to make decisions on your behalf. Living Wills can provide peace of mind if you are concerned about a hereditary condition such as Alzheimer’s.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney:-
1. Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney – enables your attorney to look after your property and finances. A Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney can enable your attorney to act on your behalf even if you still retain capacity to do so.
2. Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney – this enables your attorney to make health care decisions on your behalf and your attorney can only do so when you lack capacity.
You can appoint more than one attorney and you can state whether you want all attorneys to agree decisions together or whether one attorney can make decisions independently.
If there is no Lasting Power of Attorney, the Court of Protection can appoint a deputy to make decisions on your behalf. However, this process is time-consuming and expensive. The court application fee is £400, there is a one-off supervision fee of £800, the costs of a medical report and insurance.
If you wish to make a Will, a Lasting Power of Attorney or a Living Will, please call 01858 445480 now or complete one of the on-line forms. You can make an appointment at any of our branches in Market Harborough, Wigston or on Uppingham Road in Leicester. We can also arrange a home or hospital visit if you are unable to attend any of our offices due to your ill health.
