Planning for the future

What things to I need to consider about planning for the future, even if I don’t have a dementia or other neurogenerative condition diagnosis?

One of the things that many of us worry about as we get older or, face ill health, is the worry of ensuring our wants, needs and desires are followed as closely as possible. We also often want to ensure that our loved ones are not faced with making difficult decisions on their own, without our input. There are a couple of documents we can complete that will allow us to have our voices heard while at the same time removing some of the burden and worry from our loved ones.

Lasting Power of Attorney and Deputyship

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives you the ability to nominate someone to make decisions on your behalf. It is only used if you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself. An (LPA) needs to be done while you have the capacity to make the decision and you can pick the person or people you trust the most to be your Attorney.

https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care/planning-ahead/lasting-power-of-attorney/

If the person who needs an LPA has lost the capacity to make one, you will need to apply instead for Deputyship on their behalf. It is really important to understand your rights and the rights of anyone you may support when it comes to LPA or Deputyship.

https://www.gov.uk/become-deputy

At The Players Foundation, we recognise that it can be difficult to navigate through the often-impenetrable selection of information available to people on legal considerations. Please don’t feel like you have to navigate the whole process on your own, we are always happy to help you understand your options and how to action them.

Respect form

When it comes to ensuring that you have your future wishes around medical treatment followed, it is important that you know you have the option to complete a Respect form.

https://www.coventryrugbygpgateway.nhs.uk/pages/advance-care-planning-respect-forms/

As with completing an LPA, completing a Respect form can make future decision making easier because you will be certain of the person living with Dementia’s wishes and desires. It is also a very important measure to ensure that any medical staff that will be supporting you and treating you are fully aware of your choices.

Visit DISC Website

Visit NHS Dementia Support