Deputyship

[crocuspeony]

Hi

My parent wouldn't give me and my sibling power of attorney a few years ago. She is now at the point where she wouldn't understand what it meant.

I am looking into deputyship. I wondered if any of you had any experience with this and completing the annual report of expenditure.

We might have to get my parent a private carer but I am not sure if the carer could give us receipts of payment for the annual report. The Office of the Public Guardian recommends I give the carer a wage slip. I have no idea how to do this. I think we will have to get a carer from an agency instead but not many agencies have availability. Thanks

Hi OP - I can’t comment on the carer as we are not yet at that stage with our father, but if it’s wages, tax etc you’re worried about there are agencies which will manage all that for you. I’ve used this one for other reasons and would recommend them as being inexpensive and professional.

Thanks very much for your advice

One Carer might be difficult. Who would care fir your parent on their days off, holidays and on any sick leave days?

I agree that an agency might be better, you can look at reviews online and get evidence of payments.

Hi OP. Does your parent have above £21k in assets? The annual report is fairly simple to fill in, and OPG caseworkers are on hand to help if you get stuck. There’s a general version for people with over £21k, and a minimal version for people with less. You don’t need to provide bank statements or invoices as a matter of course, though they may get selected for random reviews which are just to check up on how you’re doing and making sure there’s nothing unreasonable in how your managing their money.
Have you asked your local authority for a care needs assessment? They may be able to contribute to the costs of care and recommend some agencies.

Hi. My parent has over £23K in assets and savings. Would it still be worth having a care needs assessment?

Yes it’s always worth asking for one, as your parent may be eligible for financial support depending on their finances and assessed needs. They might also be able to provide additional stuff like occupational therapy, which will help determine whether their property needs adaptions or if they need any mobility aids etc. The local authority will use the £23,250 as their funding threshold but OPG uses £21,000 as when determining the supervision level if you are going to go for the deputyship.
If your parent is fully funding, make sure they are claiming attendance allowance. Age uk has good advice about the application process to make sure you get the right rate.

Hi. Thanks. It's always a bit of a struggle to get people to come to the house. My parent doesn't think anything is wrong with her. We are waiting for another appointment and hopefully we will get a diagnosis. Then I will look into allowances and council tax rebate etc.

@stroopwafelgirl - were you able to claim back the deputyship costs (solicitor's fees etc) and put that on the annual report?

Yes you’re allowed to claim any professional expenses and any other expenses relating to the deputyship (like postage or travel costs if you live far away and you’re making journeys you wouldn’t have to otherwise). I’d start keeping a record of expenses now just so you can keep track!