Recent media reports have highlighted the sharp rise in people making Lasting Powers of Attorney and the prolonged time it takes the Office of the Public Guardian to register them.
These legal documents set out your wishes in the event you lose mental capacity, in respect of financial and medical arrangements. Applications have doubled in the last two years, but the three months it takes to make them official can be a worry for elderly clients who need to expedite the process.
It is not just those who are concerned about the effects of dementia or their end of life care who should consider powers of attorney. Anyone with assets needs to organise their affairs, particularly if they are fans of the high risk sports many Peak Park residents favour.
Take a moment to consider what would happen if you were to have a devastating hiking, climbing or cycling accident. Without a power in place, who would deal with your finances or medical care?
Many clients register Lasting Powers of Attorney as soon as they have been drawn up, so they are ready to use the moment you need family to step in. There is no time limit and by dealing with the matter when you are fit and well, the registration process becomes far less of a concern.
Whilst property and financial affairs powers remain the most popular, we are seeing increasing numbers of people setting up health and welfare powers. This is supported by advice from medical professionals who believe clients should have them in place to avoid any undue anxiety or stress at a later date.
It is never too early to plan for the future. Lasting Powers of Attorney are the only way to make sure your wishes are heard, should the worst happen and to give the people who care about you the authority to make decisions on your behalf.
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