Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for health and finance
These are legal documents by which you give someone else (the Attorney) the power to act on your behalf and in your name when you are no longer able to make decisions yourself.
This makes it easier for your support network to meet your needs if you are not able to do so yourself. LPAs can be drawn up at any time while you have the mental capacity to do this but they have no legal standing until they are registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. This can be completed at the Office of the Public Guardian, or a solicitor can help with the process if required.
If you live in Norfolk, Age UK Norfolk offer a Lasting Power of Attorney service for anyone over the age of 50. Their team can discuss Lasting Power of Attorney over the phone and offer information and advice on the topic, and can assist you to complete forms (via home visit) and the registration process.
Wills
Even if you don’t have many belongings, it is important that what you do have is left to those you care about. If you do not make a will, your spouse will be the main beneficiary unless stated otherwise.
If you are not married to your partner, they will not automatically be a beneficiary. The absence of a will causes long delays and problems for those you leave behind, so you are advised to organise things in advance.
Make sure that a trusted person, such as the executor of your will, knows who you bank with and where any medical or life insurance policies are held.
Visit the Age UK website for more information about making a will.
ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment)
A ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) form ensures your wishes are recorded if you are not able to make decisions about your care or treatment in a medical emergency. Your local healthcare provider can complete this with you.
Learn more about completing a ReSPECT form.
This is me passport
A ‘This is me’ passport can be used to record details about a person living with dementia who can’t easily share information about themselves. This can help health and social care professionals better understand the person they are supporting and help them to deliver the appropriate care.
Visit the Alzheimer’s Society website to learn more about the ‘This is me’ passport.
Next of kin information
Consider where you might leave next of kin details in your home in case they need to be contacted by a health or care professional on your behalf.
End of life support
During a terminal illness, or when approaching the end of life, it is a good idea to record your wishes about the kind of care you would like. Planning ahead in this way is sometimes called ‘advance care planning’. It can be recorded on the My Care Choices Register, an electronic record of a person’s wishes.
Planning for end of life care helps us to live as well as possible until death and to die with dignity. It also includes support for family or carers.
Palliative care helps to manage pain and make things as comfortable as possible, enabling people to remain in their own home for as long as they wish. Many healthcare professionals can be involved in providing end of life care and most hospitals have special palliative care teams that coordinate all these services.
When end of life care begins depends on specific needs and it will continue for as long as required. It may last a few days or for months or years.
Local hospices can offer support and advice to those at the end of their life and their family and loved ones.
Hospices in Norfolk and Suffolk
- St Elizabeth Hospice (East and Mid-Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney)
- St Nicholas Hospice (Bury St Edmunds)
- Tapping House (King’s Lynn)
- Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice
What to do after someone dies
There are a number of practical things to be done following a death. There is information on the Government website detailing what you need to do. If you can, ask a family member or friend to help.
- A doctor will need to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
- You should appoint a funeral director to make the arrangements. You may be able to claim help with funeral expenses.
- You must register the death within five days. You need to take the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death with you.
- Tell family members, friends and colleagues.
- There may be organisations to notify and the Government’s Tell Us Once Service can help with this.
Bereavement
People are affected by bereavement in many different ways and it can take time to adjust. However, you might need help if you are not coping or are feeling depressed. For some, the best way to cope is to discuss feelings with family or friends. If this doesn’t work for you, you can contact local bereavement services who can offer friendly help and support.
Find bereavement support in Norfolk, east Suffolk and west Suffolk.
