Support for sibling with learning difficulties

[SarahB84]

Hello, I am new here. My brother has life long learning difficulties, although has been able to lead a semi independent life (with receipt of benefits and regular support from our late mother & father for finances, admin, general welfare). Unfortunately our mother passed away last year and our father rather suddenly passed away last month; we’d never really spoken about what would happen when this happened, my brother & I are both in our 30’s. However I currently live in Canada, and my brother in the UK (he lived in privately rented accommodation a few streets from my parents house). I am trying to sort everything so that my brother can maintain the good, happy life he led before our parents passed. Has anyone ever used a law firm as the power of attorney and appointee in similar type scenarios? Would love to hear any experiences, if I’m doing the right thing, are there better ways to ensure the appropriate support is there, am I missing doing anything? Thanks!

[I_am_a_sibling Survey Community friend]

SarahB84 it's good to see you here, and I hope many siblings and parents share their experiences with you about this. I don't know if you can edit your post at all, but I'm wondering if changing the title to "using a law firm as POA/appointee" would help more people who have experience of this specifically to find you and share their knowledge. All the best, Fx

[fiddlers]

We live in Cardiff so can only comment on this area. My son has learning difficulties, lives independently in the community in supported accommodation with support from the Independent Living Fund, organised by Social Services- he has a personal assistant for a few hours a week to assist with daily living tasks, An organisation called the Friendly Trust assist with benefits and act as his 'Appointees' as he cannot safely manage his own finances- they will also act as co Trustees, with family members in a family Trust that we are setting up as part of our will and his inheritance- there are likely to be similar organisations around the country - hope this helps