Financial assessment. What to expect.

[Toddlerteaplease]

My friend was admitted to residential care at the start of lockdown. And will stay there permanently. I was contacted yesterday about doing his financial assessment. As I am "assisting him"
I have his cash card, so I can get him tobacco etc. And I know how much is in his account. But other than that I have no clue about his finances. The plan was I would go into the home for the phone appointment and do it with him. But they've now stopped visiting again.
Although he has capacity I don't think he's capable of going through it in his own.
What usually happens during these appointments?

It might be better for the social worker to sort this out unless you have power of attorney. You can ask the home manager if you can drop off any info uou have and also tell the bank he is now in a carehome. I wouldnt use his bankcard anymore unless he asks you to and then maybe just once to get some cash that can be kept safely at the home. The staff could ask him if he has a file at home with info which you could take in but an assessment involves pension,benefits savings, cash, property which is complex and something social services or a solicitor should sort out with him if he has capacity.

Thanks. As he's not allowed out of the home due to Covid, I do need to get him things. But only things he asked for. I don't have power if attorney, and don't want it. His son should have it. (He's not really on the scene) I'll get in touch with his social worker. He has capacity, but I don't think he's capable of complicated phone called etc any more. 6 months of being locked down has not helped.

The back won't deal with me unless he's present. Trying to sort out a current account has been a nightmare as he can't do it online and has no ID.

I feel your frustration with the bank. We had a similar situation. See what the social worker says and ask if they have carried out a capacity assessment. Age UK offer a lot of advice. Maybe he would be able to have an Advocate to help him.

I don't have power if attorney, and don't want it. His son should have it. There's nothing stopping you both having it. If he still has capacity, he can name more than one attorney, to act together or separately, And then his bank would talk to you.