advice for someone who has lost his faculties

[hotfemail]

No silly remarks please.
My friends grandad has been taken ill - he is 99 !
He has deteriorated to the point where he does not know what he is doing now and she has asked if she can get Power of Attorney. I said I think that can only be done with his consent (which he obviously cant do now).
Should she just appoint a solicitor or is there a cheaper option ?

[mrs_overall]

i know the rules governing power of attorney changed fairly recently but I'm not 100% sure of the finer points. If you do a Google you should find the relevant info.
Your friend can make a free 30 minute appointment to see a solicitor for advice. Citizens Advice and Age Concern should also be able to help.
I hope he has a will, given his age.

[saxy_jag]

If the person concerned has already developed dementia or whatever, then it's too late to start a power of attorney - they have to be sound in mind when the document is prepared. Your friend may be able to take over their granddad's affairs via the court of protection, but I'm not sure how it works then.

The rules changed in October last year. Where it used to be quite simple, there's now quite a lot more solicitor involvement and so it's more expensive.

Your friend would be well advised to consult a solicitor in the first instance in any case.

[Peeler]

I only know about the old system but all the new stuff is here..
http://www.publicguardian.gov.uk/

[terambulan]

Have been down this road.....consult gdad's doctors. 2 docs signatures Gp & Care home. Take signatures to gdad's bank etc.