The website Independent Age is a great source of advice and practical information for older people and their families. Here’s their latest info on planning for the future:
There may be a time when you have difficulty making certain decisions and need support from someone to act or decide for you. By thinking about your future now, you can explore the different options available to you and make the arrangements you wish. It’s good to have all the information you need to help you plan and make informed decisions.
Our factsheet on Future planning: Managing my affairs | Factsheet | Independent Age explains how you can prepare for someone you trust to manage your money or make decisions about your care and welfare in the future. This could be because you are staying in hospital for a while, or if you lose mental capacity.
You can read more about what mental capacity is and what rules are there to protect you if you’re unable to make or communicate decisions for yourself here: Future planning: Mental capacity | Factsheet | Independent Age.