Managing someone else's affairs
If you care for someone, there may come a time when you have to manage their affairs.
The Mental Capacity Act aims to protect people aged 16 and over who are unable to make certain decisions for themselves, perhaps due to a learning disability, a mental health problem or because of an illness, for example, dementia.
The Mental Capacity Act enables people to choose someone to manage their finances and property should they become incapable of doing so and also to make health and welfare decisions on their behalf. This needs to be carefully thought out and the best way to do this is to plan for the future by drawing up a legal agreement known as a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
The Ministry of Justice can give you more information, including the Code of Practice, and other guidance.
What is an LPA?
There are two types of LPA:
- A Property and Affairs LPA, which enables you to make decisions on someone else's behalf about their property and affairs when they are no longer able to do so. This can include paying bills, managing a bank account or selling property.
- A Personal Welfare LPA, which enables you to make decisions on someone else's behalf about their health and personal welfare, such as giving consent to medical treatment or deciding where they should live.
Anyone aged 18 or over, with the capacity to do so, can make an LPA and appoint one or more attorneys to act in their best interests and consider their needs and wishes as far as possible.
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) supports and promotes decision making for those who lack capacity or would like to plan for their future. They can advise how to prepare an LPA and it will need to be registered with them before it can be used. You will have to pay for this. You should be aware that LPAs are powerful and important legal documents and you may wish to seek legal advice from a solicitor with experience of preparing them. There are likely to be costs involved for this work.
LPA replaced Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in October 2007. An existing EPA remains valid as long as it was signed before that date and while the person was still able to make decisions for themselves. If they start to lose the ability to make reasoned decisions then the EPA must be registered with the OPG. If there is no EPA or LPA in place, a deputy may be appointed to make the decisions needed. Please contact the OPG for further advice.
Useful Contacts
Alzheimer's Society Hounslow
Address: Westar House, 690 Great West Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4PU
Phone: 020 8580 1057
Web: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Email: dementiaservices@btconnect.com
Richmond Carers Centre
Address: 5 Briar Road, Twickenham , TW2 6RB
Phone: 020 8867 2380
Web: www.carers.org/local/london/richmond/