This is the tale of Betty Figg demonstrating the absolutely essential need for both types of Lasting Power of Attorney. There are similar cases, such as that of Julia Waddingham who died before the case could even reach the Court of Protection. As I understand it, Julia was moved into a hospital after a fall, and then a care home and despite the fact that she made it very clear that she wanted to go home with her daughter.
Make an LPA LPA Video Betty Figg
But this is another story, that of Betty Figg. She had initially gone into a care home, with her daughters’ agreement, and with the family paying the fees. But her daughter found that Betty was losing weight and was concerned about the happiness of her mother in the care home, and the fact that she was becoming increasingly withdrawn, so she had her home adapted so that her mother could have an ensuite bathroom for her frequent need to use the loo at night. Her mother confirmed that she was unhappy in the care home, and wanted to be with her daughter, so she went home with her daughter and started to come out of her shell.
Two days later, the Police armed with a battering ram arrived with Social Services, put Betty Figg in a wheelchair fully covered by a blanket and took her away. All this despite the fact that Miss Figg had previously been assured by the Police that it was a civil matter and had nothing to do with them. This is just a summary, and the whole story is even worse, so do have a look at it before you come back to me to get BOTH types of Lasting Power of Attorney set up – there is little point in your family being authorised to pay for your care, but having no influence whatsoever over WHETHER you actually need it and WHICH care facility you go to. I have seen some that really seem as if they are just rooms in an old-fashioned HELL – and I am deadly serious.
So why make Court of Protection solicitors wealthy when the problem can be easily solved in advance, as long as you don’t leave it until too late?
Source material Daily Mail article.
