The first steps towards planning for the future may involve opening up discussion with the person you care for and other family members and friends.  This will allow them to identify what information they require, whether other agencies need to become involved, and at what stage to take these steps.  Carers Link can provide practical information, assistance and emotional support before and during this sometimes-difficult time. 

Early planning honours the person with dementia, as they are able to participate in making decisions about their own future.   Waiting increases the risk that it will be impossible to have an inclusive process where the views of all parties will be included.

Discussing and planning for the future can prevent difficult and stressful situations arising later.  It is important to know that although you may be related, no one has the automatic right to take actions on someone’s behalf without their authority.  To be given authority is called 'Power of Attorney'.

If the person you care for has a diagnosis of dementia then it is wise to encourage them to set up Power of Attorney as early as possible in case they lose the ability to make important decisions about their financial affairs or their future welfare.  It is important to note that a person can grant a power of attorney only if capable of understanding what he or she is doing.

Power of Attorney is a written document giving someone else authority to take actions or make decisions on a person’s behalf should they themselves become incapable of doing so, and this will ensure that any decisions that are made by the person with Power of Attorney are, as the person with dementia would wish. 

The Power of Attorney is registered with the Office of Public Guardian in Falkirk who has responsibilities for supervision and investigation into the use of Powers of Attorney in the event of a complaint.

The Office of Public Guardian (OPG) has a range of functions under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act.  The OPG provides information advice and guidance with regard to Powers of Attorney (as well as Access to Funds; Guardianship and Intervention Orders; and investigations).

It is important to note that those who do not sign a Power of Attorney while they have capacity will not have control as to who will take care of their affairs if they are unable to do so themselves. If a person does not have POA in place when they are deemed to have lost capacity to sign the document, then family or friends may have to go to court to get authority to act on their behalf.  This authority may be granted by means of an ‘Intervention Order’, ‘Access to Funds’ or ‘Guardianship Order’.

The Office of Public Guardian has several useful publications to download from their website or call 0845 603 1185.

Creating Power of Attorney is of course only one of several things to consider.  As a Carer you may be worried that, for whatever reason, you cannot provide care or that it will not be possible for the person you care for to continue living in their own home.  You may be considering options of a care home, or a care home with nursing, and are worried about money or how to choose the right home.

East Dunbartonshire Council is committed to helping people to stay in their own homes and to remain as active and independent as possible.  If you are worried about the future or worried about not being able to cope, you may want to consider accessing services to help.  Carers Link has information on all these aspects and can provide support and advocacy through the process.  We are also creating a dedicated section of our website, however in the meantime call 0800 975 2131.