Power of attorney - when and how to approach the subject

[mumma24]

My dad is in his 80’s, lives alone in a flat he owns. He has some physical issues but mentally he is very aware. He doesn’t see many people on a daily basic and prefers it that way. I do offer to shop for him but he insists he can manage by walking with his bike for support to the corner shop for supplies. He’s not lonely. I know he doesn’t want to go into a Care home so I’m thinking he will need a cater a some point.
How do I approach the subject of POA. It would be me that would need to sell his flat, pay his bills etc.l, pay a career etc. any advice appreciated. Thank you

Just ask him! If he’s sensible he will know that it doesn’t give you the power now, only if/when he loses the ability to decide for himself.

I told my mum about what might happen if she is in hospital for any length of time. I mentioned that no company will talk to me so chasing up bills or anything to do with the house would be problematic.

I explained what the financial POA meant and encouraged her to discuss it with a solicitor for independent advice. She did and then instructed them to apply with me as the attorney (I know you can do this yourself but it worked better for us).

We’ve set it up and are early 70s. Not implemented it yet.

Not strictly true.

a lasting power of attorney is effective immediately. If someone chose they can present the LPA to banks etc and get themselves issued bank cards and allowed authority to act on the donor’s behalf.

obviously if you have capacity the theory is you realise and can revoke the POA if the attorney is not acting correctly.

mil got absolutely rinsed by her own son- she had capacity, he persuaded her to do POA under the guise of “helping” as she was physically frail. He emptied all her savings to the tune of 150k before one of her daughters realised. She just hadn’t thought or had the ability to check her accounts.

o/p why would you need to sell his flat if he would prefer carers to a care home? Can he not manage his own finances currently?

you could get POA drawn up but not lodge the documents with the court until it becomes clear he can’t manage his own finances.

I'm 60 and have just set mine up with my children. It's never too early. My husband has poa for his father who although mentally wonderful at 96 has severe deafness and partial sight and takes forever to explain things so easier for my husband to do all his financial matters including bill paying etc. My parents did theirs a few years ago for me and my brother don't actually think my husband has one yet....needs sorting as he's 65. I think they should be done as you do your wills. Should be advertised on TV and encouraged to be a normal thing to do.