Daunted by paperwork

[DameAlice]

I am currently sole carer for my husband who was diagnosed with PSP a year ago but showed symptoms as long ago as 5 years ago. We live on a state pension but have savings so do not qualify for any financial help for anything at all. We have no children and I know I have to arrange for lasting power of attorneys for both health and welfare and finance but honestly don’t know where to start. I keep putting it off and also wonder how much all this is goi g to cost as well. Can anyone please comment on this. It so need to progress this but am so anxious. Thank you.

[NannaB]

Hi, it can be very daunting but it is easier than you may think. If you can use a computer, it can be done online. Go to gov.uk power-of-attorney and have a look. There is quite a bit of reading to do but it is in simple English and if you have a problem, you can ask. They are very helpful. I think the current rate is £82 which is hundreds less than getting a solicitor. If you do look on line, make sure it is the gov.uk site as there are lots of companies trying to get business at high costs. If you register, they give you a long time to complete the form online, you just re log in when you want. Do you have a friend you can talk it through with if you are finding things too daunting? You don’t have to go through a solicitor, anyone can complete the form.

I initially consulted our solicitor. He then sent me the form and asked me to complete it and send it back. That was going to cost several hundred pounds. That’s when I decided to look on line.

Best wishes

XxxX

[DameAlice in reply to NannaB]

Thank you so much. I’ll look on line at the weekend. Is the cost per power of attorney?

[NannaB in reply to DameAlice]

I’m not sure but I think it’s per application.

XxxX

[Doublereeder in reply to NannaB]

It is £82 per application. But as NannaB says, the gov.uk website is easier than you think and it can be saved as you go so you don't have to do it all (or both) at once. You will need a good friend you've known a while whom you trust to speak to your husband on his own and confirm he knows what the documents mean and that he is not being forced to do it (the certificate provider). Good luck!

[doglington]

It is daunting but can be done without a solicitor. I managed to do Power of Attorney , probate etc without using a solicitor. . Jean xx

[DameAlice in reply to doglington]

Many thanks for your advice. Jan

[kenh1]

I also did it on the internet and found it quite easy. Your husband may be eligible for attendance allowance which is not means tested. I claimed that for my wife and it was paid throughout her illness.

If you have a Citizens advice bureau near you they will help you complete the forms and make the application.

Don't let anxiety get you down there is plenty of help around. Best wishes. Ken.

[DameAlice in reply to kenh1]

Thank you very much Ken. My husband does get Attendance Allowance, thank goodness, which helps at least a little bit. Jan

[AliBee1]

Hi

It is daunting I agree. I help a lot of friends/carers with completing them as solicitors are very expensive. I don't know how adapt you are with government forms but as previous replies have stated they can be done on line and the GovUK site has very good instructions, or as Kenh1 says citizens advice or Age UK will help.

Attendance Allowance can also be applied for on line. That is a more daunting form than the POA ones though but worth applying for. I also help with those.

Whereabouts in the UK are you? I have made a word document of what you need before you get started which makes it easier when you start. I can send you it.

Good luck AliBee xx

[DameAlice in reply to AliBee1]

Thank you so much for your helpful advice AliBee. I will get in touch with Age UK as they seem to be really helpful. By the way, I live in Suffolk. Jan

[Yvonneandgeorge]

When I did George’s age concern came in and did it all for us, you just had to give a donation, and get appropriate people to sign it and send it in to the court of protection. It was very easy. Good luck . Yvonne xxxxx

[DameAlice in reply to Yvonneandgeorge]

Thanks so much Yvonne, that’s really useful advice. Jan

[Willow_rob]

I have been through the hoop for my wife who I cared for for over 2 years. You must getWhen you get

power of attorney for health and welfare and as your husband's condition progresses and he becomes less able you will need to mobilise all the help you can. Hospicecare and Marie Curie are organizations we found very helpful. District nursing teams and the District Matron can begin the application process for CHC funding which is based on Medical need not the specific condition. Finally take care of yourself it can be a long and difficult road. Rob

[Tunupup]

I feel for you. There is very little help out there. My sister's consultant sorted out all the disability allowances but even as far as medication goes we had to look things up ourselves and ask not good. Look after yourself xxx

[Dusty1956]

I am in the same situation and currently completing the forms for both Finance and Health. I did this some years ago for my mum and didn’t use a solicitor and it worked out. However as it can be completed on line now it is much easier and as NannaB says just make sure you are on the government website. Hope you get sorted and I fully understand the situation you are in. x x x

[Hidden]

The PSP Assoc are a great help too. Give them a call, they may be able to direct/guide you through future needs etc.

I also just wanted to send you a great big hug! It's not an easy journey but just ask a question here and you will get lots of helps from the lovely people on this site. There are lots who have travelled before you and are more than willing to help. You are not alone.

Sue xx 🌹

[fishponds]

Hi I have just completed the POA forms on line and it wasn’t too difficult . Take your time you don’t need to do it all in one go You will need to print the form off when completed and get everyone to sign Before sending them off .good luck Maggie xxx

[jabberwocky45]

Hi There I agree with Nanna B.

I am in a similar situation in that we have occupational pensions so get no financial help.

Go on to the government website and just follow the guide. You can stop and start as you want.

The only extra expense I went to was to post special delivery so a signature was required at the other end. You will feel a sense of fulfilment to have saved over £1400!!

Double check the signatures before you send.

Yes the cost is £82 per POA. Good luck xx

[Junky60]

Find a lawyer that specializes in elder law. They will have the expertise to help.

[ambartlett]

Dear Dame Alice.

I was in similar situation to you but living in Devon. I had a super amount of help from Devon Carers and also Social services. I would suggest you contact both Suffolkfamilycarers.org either through their website or helpline 01473 835477 or speak to Social care services on 0808 8004005. Citizens Advice and Age UK have already been mentioned but I really would make the organisations I have mentioned your first priority as they will be able to offer more help going forward as PSP progresses..

Kind regards

Tony Bartlett