If you haven't got time to read it all, read the last few sentences please.
My father is diagnosed with frontotemporal and my mother with mixed Alzheimers and Lewy body dementias. They are in their mid-80s. After a very difficult period they were both assessed as lacking capacity last week and were immediately taken to a care home where they reside. It has been made clear to us that no remission is expected and they will not be able to live independently again. They are physically well and can be expected to live for several more years at least.
They are not rich but are self-funding to the tune of nearly £6000 per month. Both deprived of their liberties and landed with a large and on-going bill all at the same time. A triple whammy if every there was one.
They have always been resistant to making any provision for the future (eg LPOA), other than a Will; believing that they would address such issues when the time comes!
However, I have had to take on an increasing role over the years. I have access to their online bank accounts so that I can ensure bills are paid; for seven years I have been the link with the tenants of a commercial property that they once ran a shop from; and I have helped their accountant prepare their annual return for the last two years.
So I have begun the painful process of applying to the CoP to become a Property and Financial Affairs Deputy for both parents. The only other interested person is my brother who resides abroad but is genuinely concerned.
I see it as my task to manage their affairs in such a way that they provide financial security for as long as possible so that their care arrangements aren't unnecessarily disrupted.
Acting in their best interests does not mean leaving their four bedroomed house sitting empty for the months that I understand the CoP application process is likely to take. The unkempt garden and the house (which is in need of significant decorative re-furb) should be prepared; either for sale or rent. The alternative is that the limited funds in their current account and a modest savings account may be drained before an Order is granted.
How much trouble will I get in if I get on with: sorting out the garden (purchasing tools at my parents' expense); disposing of (non-valuable) possessions and furnishings; and spending my parents money on necessary improvements prior to sale/renting?
If I do the above will the CoP view me with suspicion and refuse to make me the Deputy? I would really appreciate some advice or well-informed observations. The more I read about the CoP and the Deputy role the more scary (and expensive) it gets.
My father is diagnosed with frontotemporal and my mother with mixed Alzheimers and Lewy body dementias. They are in their mid-80s. After a very difficult period they were both assessed as lacking capacity last week and were immediately taken to a care home where they reside. It has been made clear to us that no remission is expected and they will not be able to live independently again. They are physically well and can be expected to live for several more years at least.
They are not rich but are self-funding to the tune of nearly £6000 per month. Both deprived of their liberties and landed with a large and on-going bill all at the same time. A triple whammy if every there was one.
They have always been resistant to making any provision for the future (eg LPOA), other than a Will; believing that they would address such issues when the time comes!
However, I have had to take on an increasing role over the years. I have access to their online bank accounts so that I can ensure bills are paid; for seven years I have been the link with the tenants of a commercial property that they once ran a shop from; and I have helped their accountant prepare their annual return for the last two years.
So I have begun the painful process of applying to the CoP to become a Property and Financial Affairs Deputy for both parents. The only other interested person is my brother who resides abroad but is genuinely concerned.
I see it as my task to manage their affairs in such a way that they provide financial security for as long as possible so that their care arrangements aren't unnecessarily disrupted.
Acting in their best interests does not mean leaving their four bedroomed house sitting empty for the months that I understand the CoP application process is likely to take. The unkempt garden and the house (which is in need of significant decorative re-furb) should be prepared; either for sale or rent. The alternative is that the limited funds in their current account and a modest savings account may be drained before an Order is granted.
How much trouble will I get in if I get on with: sorting out the garden (purchasing tools at my parents' expense); disposing of (non-valuable) possessions and furnishings; and spending my parents money on necessary improvements prior to sale/renting?
If I do the above will the CoP view me with suspicion and refuse to make me the Deputy? I would really appreciate some advice or well-informed observations. The more I read about the CoP and the Deputy role the more scary (and expensive) it gets.