Elderly Woman Forced Into Care Home Against Daughter's Wishes

It’s a heartbreaking reality that many families face: the struggle between what’s best for their loved ones and what the local council decides. Helen’s story is one of dedication, sacrifice, and an unyielding fight for her mother’s dignity, only to have that taken away by the system. This story highlights the importance of having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place to protect both your family and your wishes.

A Daughter’s Sacrifice

Helen’s mother, an elderly woman struggling with health and mobility issues, needed full-time care. Helen, her loving daughter, made the decision to quit her job and dedicate herself to caring for her mother. She converted the downstairs of their home to meet her mother’s needs, installing a ramp and creating a safe and comfortable environment.

Despite these efforts, the local council had different plans.

Forced into a Care Home Against Her Family’s Wishes

The local council informed Helen that her mother would be placed in a care home, despite the fact that Helen had already adapted her home to provide care. Even more shocking, the care home would cost £1,800 per week, a fee that would be deducted from the value of her mother’s property.

Although heartbroken, Helen complied, trusting the care home to provide the necessary care. However, it didn’t take long for her to notice her mother’s health was declining.

Declining Health and a Mother’s Wishes Ignored

Helen quickly realized that her mother wasn’t receiving the level of care and respect she deserved in the care home. She began to question the home’s ability to meet her mother’s needs.

Determined to take matters into her own hands, Helen decided to bring her mother back home, where she could provide the personalized care her mother needed. But soon after, the care home reported the situation to the police, and Helen’s mother was taken back to the care home against both their wishes.

A Lesson for Every Family: The Importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Helen’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of planning for the future with a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). An LPA ensures that your family has the legal right to make decisions about your care, finances, and well-being, not the local council.

Without an LPA, you risk losing control over your personal affairs, leaving decisions about your care and finances in the hands of others.

There are two types of LPAs that everyone should have in place:

Health and Welfare LPA: This allows your loved ones to make decisions about your care, including where you live and the medical treatment you receive.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA: This allows your loved ones to manage your finances, including paying bills, managing your bank accounts, and dealing with property.

Each LPA costs £82 per person, payable to the Office of the Public Guardian. You need both LPAs to fully protect yourself—one for health and welfare, and one for property and finance.

You can complete the LPA forms yourself online or by downloading them from the Office of the Public Guardian’s website. However, the forms can be quite complicated, and mistakes can lead to delays or even the rejection of your application.

Avoid the Hassle: Let Professionals Help You Draft Your LPAs

Filling out these forms can be complicated and overwhelming, but there is help available. High street solicitors often charge upwards of £200 per LPA, plus the £82 fee. However, companies like The Heritage Specialists offer to draft these documents for a modest administration fee of £45 per LPA.