Keep control: Your Life in Their Hands
Here at Ridley & Hall we believe it is important for people to put provisions in place to ensure their wishes are met if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves. Making a Lasting Power of Attorney can give peace of mind that the right people will be making decisions on your behalf not only for financial matters but also health and welfare matters.
A new report from SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) and independent think tank, Centre for Future Studies, reveals the UK is leaving medical and care preferences to chance. The report looks at the ever-increasing number of people living with dementia which, combined with the failure to plan ahead for mental incapacity, exposes a looming crisis.
The study found 99% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber have not made necessary provisions, should they lose capacity from conditions like dementia. A further 35% admit to having made no provisions at all for later life, including a will, pension, funeral plan or LPA.
The research found that 77% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber are worried about dementia and losing the ability to make decisions for themselves, but 75% have not spoken about, or even considered, personal medical and care end of life decisions.
A staggering 68% of people incorrectly believe that their next of kin can specify what they would have wanted if they are no longer able to and 75% of the public would like a family member to make medical and care decisions on their behalf. 65% of people incorrectly believe that their spouse has the power to do so.
80% of those in Yorkshire and the Humber are worried about becoming mentally incapacitated and losing the ability to make decisions for themselves.
57% believe that being on the NHS organ donor register ensures that organs are donated following death, however this is not the case.
Only 1% of Britons surveyed in Yorkshire and the Humber by SFE have a health and welfare LPA in place.
For the month of July we are offering a discount of £50 off each LPA meaning a couple making both types of LPA could save £200! Contact us today on 0800 8 60 62 65 or fill our online enquiry form to make your appointment.
