This is based on a real life case study and highlights the importance of having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place.
Mrs T, a widow in her eighties, was in the process of selling her large family home so that she could buy a smaller, more manageable property. Solicitors were acting on the sale and a buyer was soon found.
Within a very short period of time, Mrs T lost her mental capacity, so could not sign the paperwork to sell the house. The buyer gave up and bought another property. Then Mrs T deteriorated physically as well as mentally and was rushed to hospital for tests. Next she became frustrated and violent; the doctors said that she had to be moved from hospital into a care home for her own and others safety. A suitable place was found but once the home knew that there was no power of attorney in place they refused to take Mrs T; saying it would take too long before they would get paid. The only way they would accept her, was if Mrs T’s son signed a direct debit mandate, agreeing to pay the monthly care fees of £3,000 from his own bank account. Occh.
If she had set up a Lasting Power of Attorney whilst she still had capacity it would have saved her family a lot of stress and money.
If you would like to put a Power of Attorney in place for yourself or a member of your family please do not hesitate to get in contact with me. I am happy to do home visits as well as out of hour appointments at a time that best suits you and your family.
Contact Michele Henderson on [email protected]