Christmas, Care Homes, and Peace of Mind

At this time of year, when families come together, we often notice things we’ve missed during the rest of the year.

Perhaps Mum’s been getting more forgetful. Maybe Dad looks thinner than you remembered. You might have noticed unopened post, unpaid bills, or increasing signs of frailty. These are the moments when the seed of a question gets planted: “What if they can’t manage on their own much longer?”

Christmas has a way of gently shining a light on the things we often push to the side — and for many families, this includes worries about future care.

One of the most powerful and underused tools available is the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). There are two types: one for property and financial decisions, and another for health and welfare decisions. Both allow someone you trust to act on your behalf if you lose capacity.

What many people don’t realise is that LPAs can’t be made once capacity is lost — and the alternative, a Court of Protection deputyship, is significantly more costly, complex, and time-consuming.

Now is the ideal time to start the conversation. LPAs aren’t just for the very elderly or those in poor health. They’re for anyone who wants peace of mind — knowing that if something unexpected happens, trusted people are in place to step in and help.

And this doesn’t just apply to older relatives. If you’re a couple, you should both have LPAs in place — because life doesn’t always go to plan, and stroke, accident or illness can affect any of us.

For business owners, a separate Business LPA may also be essential. It ensures that if something happens to you, your business can still function... salaries can be paid, contracts honoured, and operations maintained. The person appointed to make business decisions may be different from the one you’d trust with your personal affairs, so specific appointments are crucial.

This Christmas, if the thought of the future is niggling at the back of your mind, don’t ignore it. A gentle conversation around the fire or over a cuppa might be the first step to giving everyone in your family more confidence about what lies ahead.

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Let’s make sure you and your loved ones are protected, now and always.

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