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It’s important to understand when you, or someone else who has lasting power of attorney, is able to make decisions on behalf of the person you care for.
There are lots of different kinds of decisions you may have to make as a carer. It may feel overwhelming. You’re not alone. We’re here to help and you can call us to talk through whatever difficulty you may be facing. Steve Dubbins, Director of Services, Dementia Carers Count
It’s important to make sure that individuals are as involved as possible in decisions being made about them. Having early conversations to understand someone’s wishes and preferences about their future care can be helpful. When someone is no longer able to make their own decisions, all decisions must be made in their best interests.
If you have health and welfare lasting power of attorney for someone, you have responsibility for making decisions relating to their health and welfare on their behalf.
Understand more about the decisions you may be responsible for
If you have property and financial lasting power of attorney for someone, you have responsibility for making decisions relating to their finances on their behalf.
Understand more about the decisions you may be responsible for
If someone loses mental capacity to set up lasting power of attorney, then it is possible for family members or friends to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship to manage someone’s affairs and to make decisions on their behalf
Find out what to do if there is no lasting power of attorney in place
Legislation sets out fundamental principles around deciding whether someone has the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. Any decision made on behalf of someone when they don’t have capacity, must be made in their best interests.
Find out more about mental capacity
Call our Carer Support Line with any questions you have about making decisions for someone and if you need support advocating for the person you are caring for or yourself.
If you are caring for someone with dementia, you are entitled to an assessment of your own needs for support. Your health and wellbeing matters too.
Dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate but there are ways to support communication to make connecting easier.
Understanding more about stress and how to calm down when you’re feeling stressed can make a big difference to your ability to cope.
