This Client Situation
A 67-year-old client, who lives independently, began experiencing noticeable memory problems.
Following a consultation with their GP and a subsequent referral to a memory clinic, the client was diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
Because the client lives alone, their children recognised the need for urgent planning and approached us to help arrange Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) for both Property & Financial Affairs (P&F) and Health & Welfare (H&W).
The Challenge
When a client has a dementia diagnosis, it is critical to unequivocally establish their mental capacity at the exact time of signing legal documents.
Fortunately, the client was experiencing more lucid days than not, giving us a vital window of opportunity to ensure their wishes were legally documented and protected.
What We Did
To safeguard the client and ensure the LPAs were robust and legally sound, we took a careful and collaborative approach:
- Drafted Comprehensive LPAs: We prepared the necessary documentation for both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare, tailoring them to the family’s specific needs.
- Involved Medical Professionals: We proactively invited the specialist from the memory clinic to attend the formal LPA signing meeting.
- Secured Expert Verification: We arranged for the attending specialist to act as the official “certificate provider.” On the day of signing, the client clearly understood everything they were signing, and the specialist was able to professionally confirm and certify their capacity.
The Outcome
Both LPA applications were successfully processed and registered within three months.
With the LPAs fully in place, the children are now legally empowered to assist their mother by handling her daily needs, including managing medications, organising appointments, and overseeing her bank accounts.
While the client is unfortunately experiencing a slow decline, the family has achieved vital peace of mind. The uncertainty surrounding her future care and finances has been completely removed, allowing the family to focus entirely on supporting her.
