Why Setting Up an LPA Is More Crucial Than Ever – A Lesson from a Dementia Crisis
19th June 2025
A recent story in The Sun shared the heartbreaking tale of a mother with dementia who repeatedly handed out £20 notes to strangers on the street, losing large sums of money before her family could intervene. But here’s something striking: this tragedy might have been avoided if only her loved ones had an LPA in place.
According to the article, dementia affects around a million people in the UK, with a financial burden of around £42 billion per year—much of which families are forced to cover. Dementia can drastically impair memory and reasoning, making it difficult or impossible for individuals to manage their own finances. The consequences? Forgotten bills, susceptibility to scams and vast sums given away without understanding.
And the family cost is more than financial – it’s deeply emotional. In the article, the woman’s husband and daughter were left scrambling to step in, overwhelmed by guilt, worry, and legal uncertainty. They were left powerless when what they needed was a clear, legal way to help.
This is exactly where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can make all the difference.
The Two Types of LPA
- Property & Financial Affairs – lets someone manage your bank accounts, pay bills, and safeguard assets.
- Health & Welfare – gives authority to make decisions about care, medical treatment, and living arrangements if you can no longer decide for yourself.
Crucially, an LPA can only be set up while you still have mental capacity. Once dementia sets in, it’s too late.
Yet the article reveals that 72% of over-65s in the UK don’t have one in place. That’s shocking – especially when families later have to go through the Court of Protection to act on behalf of their loved ones, a process that’s slow, costly, and stressful. It’s a road most of us want to avoid.
Contrast that with having an LPA in place: if someone starts giving away money, falling for scams, or forgetting key tasks, your appointed attorney can step in at once – legally and decisively. No need for court applications or delays. Your peace of mind means protection for the very things you care about – your independence, savings, and health.
DIY financial tools, like dementia-friendly debit cards, are helpful, but they’re no substitute for legal authority LPAs give you the power to appoint trusted people before things reach crisis point.
A Wake-Up Call
Let this story be a wake-up call—not just a warning. If you or someone you love is approaching an age or health situation that could affect mental capacity, please consider setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney.
It doesn’t take much time or thought. It also takes courage – courage to act today so that your future is protected. Because once dementia or severe illness takes hold, it’s often too late to plan.
As families like the one in the article have found, LPA isn’t just paperwork – it’s a protective shield for your future, your freedom and your dignity.
Need help getting started? I’d be happy to talk you through the process or share guidance on how to make it as simple as possible.
