Planning Ahead: Why It’s Essential to Put LPAs in Place for Your Elderly Parents

As our parents age, conversations about their health, finances, and future care can be difficult - but they’re also some of the most important we’ll ever have. Many families find themselves unprepared when an elderly parent suddenly loses capacity through illness or injury, leaving loved ones unable to step in and make crucial decisions.

That’s where Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) come in.

LPAs allow your parents to choose who they trust to make decisions on their behalf, ensuring their wishes are respected and their affairs are managed smoothly — while they still have the mental capacity to make that choice.

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows someone (the “donor”) to appoint one or more trusted people (known as “attorneys”) to make decisions on their behalf if they lose the ability to do so themselves.

There are two main types of LPA:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covers decisions about money, property, and financial matters such as paying bills, selling property, or managing investments.

• Health and Welfare LPA – covers decisions about medical treatment, care, and living arrangements.

Without these documents, loved ones often face lengthy, stressful, and expensive court applications to gain control through the Court of Protection - a process that can take months.

Why Timing Matters: Capacity Is Key

An LPA can only be made while the person granting it has mental capacity. This means they must understand what they’re signing and the implications of doing so.

Once capacity is lost — for example, due to dementia, stroke, or sudden illness — it’s too late to create an LPA.

That’s why planning ahead is so important. Putting LPAs in place early gives peace of mind, ensuring that if your parents ever can’t make decisions themselves, the people they trust most will be legally empowered to act in their best interests.

Avoiding the “It Won’t Happen to Us” Trap

Many families delay making LPAs because it feels unnecessary or uncomfortable — especially when parents are still active and independent.

It’s easy to assume “we’ll sort it later” or “we’ll manage if something happens.” But without an LPA, even simple tasks - such as accessing a parent’s bank account to pay care fees or speaking to doctors about treatment - can become legally impossible.

We often see families blindsided by sudden changes in health and caught in limbo for months while trying to secure legal authority through the courts.

Having an LPA in place eliminates this uncertainty and provides clarity at a time when emotions may already be running high.

Common Misconceptions About LPAs

There are a few myths that often stop people from acting sooner:

“LPAs are only for the elderly.”

In reality, anyone over 18 with assets or dependants should consider one. Life can change suddenly, and LPAs are about protection - not pessimism.

“My spouse or children can automatically act for me.”

This is a common misconception. Without a registered LPA, banks, care providers, and medical professionals cannot legally take instructions from anyone other than the account holder or patient.

“It’s expensive and complicated.”

With professional guidance, creating an LPA is straightforward and affordable - especially compared to the stress and cost of applying to the Court of Protection later.

The Benefits of Planning Now

By helping your parents set up LPAs while they have full capacity, you’re not just protecting them — you’re protecting the whole family. Key benefits include:

• Choice and control – your parents decide who will act for them and how.

• Peace of mind – knowing that someone trusted can manage their affairs if needed.

• Smoother decision-making – avoiding delays in medical or financial matters.

• Reduced stress and costs – no need for lengthy court processes.

It’s also an opportunity to open wider conversations about Wills, inheritance planning, and care wishes, ensuring everything is consistent and reflects your parents’ true intentions.

How Salehs Solicitors Can Help

At Salehs Solicitors, our experienced Wills, Trusts & Probate team regularly helps families in Manchester, Didsbury, and Cheshire plan ahead with compassion, clarity, and care.

We’ll guide you and your parents through the process of creating LPAs, making sure they understand every step, that documents are correctly registered, and that their wishes are fully protected.

Whether you’re just starting to discuss the idea or ready to put documents in place, we’ll help you approach the conversation with confidence.

Take the First Step Today

Don’t wait for a crisis to start planning.

Now is the right time to protect your parents’ future and ensure that, whatever happens, their affairs are handled exactly as they’d wish.

Make an appointment with Salehs Solicitors today to discuss putting LPAs in place and safeguarding your loved ones’ future.