According to data published by the Alzheimer’s Society, nearly 850,000 people in the UK are suffering from dementia. What’s worse is that this number is all set to rise to 2 million by 2025 and 2 million by 2051. Dementia is a highly distressing state for anyone. Not only does it lead to confusion and restlessness, it could also result in repetitive behaviour of being tearful, irritable and agitated.
Dementia has a significant effect on a person’s thinking, problem solving abilities and perception of the world. Since it is a progressive disease, there will come a time when memory begins to falter and decision making becomes difficult. This is why it is recommended to make a will as soon as dementia is diagnosed. Also, it is important to protect your interests and that of your family before the condition deteriorates to a state where you are not considered to be of “sound mind and body,” says an expert at SCL Wills and Probate Solicitors, a reputed will writing service in London.
However, giving someone a Power of Attorney is not a small decision. There are a few things you’ll need to ensure beforehand.
Power of Attorney Becomes a Must
To give a person such a huge responsibility, you’ll have to create a legal document that names the person(s), who’ll take decisions on your behalf when you are no longer medically fit or become unable to manage your affairs on your own. The Power of Attorney should be given to:
- Someone you can trust
- Someone who believes in your values
- Someone who as a good eye for detail
- Someone who understands their duties well
- Someone who is committed to fulfilling their responsibilities earnestly
- Someone with a good knowledge and understanding of finances
- Someone who can collaborate with accountants, estate planning solicitors and attorneys.
- Someone who can be trusted to act in your best legal and financial interest.
Remember, there are different types of power of attorney that give different levels of control to the person whom you choose to make decisions on your behalf.
Springing Vs. Durable Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney can be of different types, such as durable, non-durable, medical, springing and special power of attorney. You will need to choose based on your current situation and requirements.
Many wills and probate solicitors have stated that when considering a Power of Attorney (POA), durable POA is preferable to springing POA. A springing POA will only spring into action or come into effect when a person becomes incapacitated or incompetent, the durable POA will come into effect as soon as the document have been signed.
In many cases, people are unable to find someone whom they can appoint as durable POA. In such vases, you can choose someone to become your conservator. They will have the same kind of responsibilities as the POA. However, choose someone whom you can trust for all your financial and medical decisions.
After you have been diagnosed with dementia, contacting a good will writing service and choosing a power of attorney should be the first course of action. You can also include your future medical care plans for dementia treatment, while stating your preference for certain kind of care and refusing particular types of treatment.
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