Expert Eye: Don’t leave it late to make Lasting Power of Attorney

Thinking about what would happen if you were to lose mental capacity is scary, which is why we avoid it. Too often people wait for a life crisis to make them face up to this real possibility, but for some, by then it may be too late, writes James Bolton, of Larken & Co.

As a nation we are living longer but not always in perfect health. Research by the Alzheimer’s Society estimates that by 2040 there will be around 1.6m Britons living with dementia but a stroke, accident or other serious illness can all too quickly take away our ability to administer our personal affairs either on a temporary or permanent basis.

Any one of these possibilities would be more than enough for you and your loved ones to contend with. How much worse will it be if, on top of that, you fail to prepare by empowering someone to step in to make decisions on your behalf should the need arise?