Legal planning and finding support
Legal planning:
- It’s important to plan ahead for who will make decisions for you if you’re unable to do so.
- Consider setting up a lasting power of attorney for property, finances, and health. This lets someone you trust support you if you’re in hospital or unable to manage your affairs.
- You can set up a lasting power of attorney yourself, without a solicitor.
If someone is no longer able to make certain decisions and there is no lasting power of attorney in place, the Court of Protection may appoint a deputy to make decisions on their behalf. Deputies must act in the person's best interests. For some benefits, the Department for Work and Pensions may appoint someone to manage benefit payments on another person's behalf. This is known as appointeeship.
- Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney: Overview - GOV.UK.
- Agencies and resources are available to help if you need support.
- Power of attorney – Setting up a lasting power of attorney (LPA) | Age UK.
Further information and support:
- Find more advice and local support on Staffordshire Connects.
- There are links to activities, clubs, health and wellness, housing, equipment, and more.
- How to age well: top tips for healthy ageing | Age UK
- Wills & probate - Which?
