Future, it’s good to talk

taking up to 10 months, with a cost of approximately £1,000, for someone to be appointed.

There are two types of LPA. A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your representative to make decisions relating to your money and property for you.

A Health and Welfare LPA allows your representative to make decisions relating to your personal wellbeing, social care and consent or refusal for medical treatment. These decisions can only be made when you lack mental capacity.

Both types of LPA can only be used once they have been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.

An LPA ceases to be effective upon death. This is when a Will comes into force. Having a Will in place ensures there are clear instructions about what you want to happen to your money, property, possessions and online accounts after you die.

If you die without a will, it can take much longer to deal with your estate and the people who inherit your money and possessions may not necessarily be the people you would have chosen.

Jewish Care has information booklets that outline how to plan for the future, including advanced care wishes and lasting power of attorney. We also have a team of social workers who can provide advice and support. Should you be faced with a life limiting illness our end-of-life care team can help co-ordinate care for you.

As a provider of social care for older people, Jewish Care’s primary focus is to develop services that enable people to age well and live meaningful lives.

However, we are also realistic. We know that life doesn’t go on for ever. That is why we don’t want to shy away from talking about and planning for the inevitable.

Jewish Care has produced a series of information leaflets about these issues. For copies of these leaflets, or if you are in need of information or support, contact our confidential helpline — Jewish Care Direct on 020 8922 2222 / helpline@jcare.org Paula Plaskow is Jewish Care’s team manager in Community Support & Social Work/Palliative Care