Kitbag for the future

Planning Ahead

Preparing for a future which may be different, and which is often unpredictable is important for you and for your families. Everyone’s situation is different but from our own experiences this is what we have learnt:

Lasting power of attorney

It may become necessary in the future for someone to take decisions for you and play the role of your “attorney”.

This person is typically a family member but could also be a friend. It should be someone you trust and they must be over 18.

Citizens Advice has useful information Managing affairs for someone else.

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Advance care planning

Your loved one might want to let people know how they would like to be cared for in future, and detail some of their preferences. An advance care statement can help them get the care they want.

If your loved one does not wish to receive treatments in future their wishes can also be expressed in an advance decision notice.

Managing legal affairs for someone with dementia – NHS

Driving

A diagnosis of dementia or other neurodegenerative disease does not necessarily mean you have to stop driving immediately, but you must inform the DVLA and your car insurance company right away. The DVLA may contact your GP and require you to take tests to ensure you retain your ability to drive safely.

The Alzheimer’s Society has more information Driving and dementia | Alzheimer’s Society

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Make a will

If you haven’t already made a will it’s a good idea to do so. We all want to make sure that our wishes are known and carried out when the time comes, so don’t put this off.

It may be that your loved one is still able to make or change their will and it’s a good idea to act while their wishes can be captured and written into the will. A solicitor will be able to help determine someone’s capacity to make or change a will.

Collect your papers together

You will have lots of important papers and it’s a good idea to collect them together so that they are to hand. Banking details, mortgage papers, insurance documents could all be filed together so that you know where they are.

Consider setting up direct debits or standing orders for your regular bills. This means they’ll be paid automatically from your bank account each month.

The NHS website has some good advice Dementia and managing money – NHS

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Benefits

If you are a carer, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance. Depending on their age, your loved one may also be eligible for Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance – find out more in this guide by Which.

You may be also eligible for: