Planning for the Future Some conversations are difficult. Having someone to talk them through can make them a little easier. When you’re caring for someone, it’s very easy for your own plans and the bigger questions about the future to get pushed to one side. You might be wondering what would happen to the person you care for if you became unwell or were no longer able to support them. You may need advice about a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney, finances or other arrangements. Or perhaps something has changed in your family and you simply want to understand what you should be thinking about now. This support is for all unpaid carers You don’t need to be caring for someone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s to speak to us or access legal support through Crossroads Care. Whatever your caring situation, if you have questions about planning for the future, we want to help make it easier to find the right advice. For families affected by dementia, there can be some additional considerations, particularly around making decisions and putting legal arrangements in place while the person you care for is able to do so. We’ve included more information about this below. But wherever you are in your caring journey, you don’t have to work everything out on your own. Meet Julie Booth from Westminster Law South Yorkshire We’re really pleased to be working with Julie Booth, Partner at Westminster Law South Yorkshire, to make professional legal advice more accessible to the carers and families we support. Julie is highly experienced in helping people plan for the future, but just as importantly, she’s approachable, down to earth and understands that conversations about Wills, Powers of Attorney and family circumstances can sometimes feel daunting. There’s no legal jargon for the sake of it and no expectation that you should already know what you need. Julie will take the time to listen, understand your circumstances and talk you through your options in a way that makes sense. Legal clinics at Crossroads Care Julie has also kindly offered to visit Crossroads Care HQ in Rotherham to hold legal clinics for carers. These clinics will give you the opportunity to sit down with Julie, ask questions and get professional advice in a familiar and welcoming environment. You might want to talk about: – making or updating a Will – putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place – planning for the person you care for – what would happen if you were no longer able to provide care – protecting your wishes for the future – questions around property, finances or family arrangements – what options may be available when someone you care for is living with dementia You don’t need to have everything figured out before you come along. The clinics are there to give you a starting point, help you understand your options and, where appropriate, begin putting plans in place for the future. Our first clinic: Monday 19th October | From 9am | Crossroads Care HQ, Rotherham This first clinic will be operating as a drop in clinic, for more information, please contact Julie directly on jb@westminster-law.co.uk. Planning Ahead When Someone Has Dementia If you care for someone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, there can be additional questions to think about when planning for the future. A diagnosis can bring a lot of uncertainty, and legal arrangements may understandably be the last thing you feel ready to think about. However, getting the right advice early can help you understand your options and give you and your family some reassurance. There may be decisions to consider around Lasting Powers of Attorney, finances, property, care and Wills, both for the person you support and for yourself. Some legal arrangements can depend on whether the person you’re caring for is able to make particular decisions for themselves, so speaking to a professional sooner rather than later can help you understand what may be possible. Julie can talk through your individual circumstances with you and explain the options available. Special Rates for Crossroads Care As part of our partnership with Westminster Law, carers and families supported by Crossroads Care can access specially reduced rates on a number of legal services. Making a Basic Will Usual price: £160 Crossroads Care rate: £95 Power of Attorney Usual prices: £585–£1,800 Crossroads Care rate: from £300 (including Health & Welfare and Property & Finance) These services aren’t just for families affected by dementia. You might be making plans for the person you care for, thinking about what would happen if they continued to rely on you in the future, or simply wanting to make sure your own affairs and wishes are in order. Julie can help you understand what is appropriate for your individual circumstances and explain any costs before you decide whether you would like to go ahead. Prices and eligibility will depend on the service required and individual circumstances. Westminster Law will confirm the work required and full cost before you proceed.