Big rise in applications to set up Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

The number of people setting up ‘living wills’ or LPA documents has risen to half a million in the last year.Research by JMW Solicitors has found that the number of people drawing up Lasting Power of Attorney documents has doubled in the past two years, often because people that are worried about dementia want to ensure their wishes are accurately recorded before they lose their mental capacity.Elaine Roche, a partner at JMW Solicitors, has shared her concern that the Office of the Public Guardian, which handle requests to register Lasting Power of Attorney documents, is struggling to cope with demand.‘The last few years have seen a quite dramatic increase in men and women of all ages making LPAs, due in part to concerns about dementia and the desire to determine what should happen to them if they should lose the mental capacity to take decisions about their own affairs.’A Lasting Power of Attorney can cover off decisions regarding your property and finances, and also your health and welfare. Each LPA must be registered in its own right, but once it’s done, it’s one less thing to worry about as a loved one starts to lose their mental faculties. When it comes to dementia care, it’s a vital document to complete.The Office of the Public Guardian aims to register all LPAs within 40 days, but has conceded that they’re currently experiencing a backlog and were in the process of taking on more staff.If you’re interested in setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney document for either Property and Finance, Health and Welfare, or both, you can do so for free through Unforgettable’s ground-breaking new LPA service, which is launching next month.Source: www.thetimes.co.uk