I feel a little strange opening this topic because I should have asked the question a long time ago. My wife is a stroke victim. She’s all there mentally, but has aphasia and reduced mobility.
I’ve prepared for the possibility of my dying financially–she will be well supported in this respect, but we have no family or close friends to assist her in accessing the funds or taking care of all life’s challenges that she will face if I’m not here to look after her.
We’ve appointed a financial advisor, but I think the type and level of practical assistance I’m concerned about are not in his job description.
Obviously, there are legions of bad actors who would take advantage of this opportunity, so I’m reaching out for ideas. Where do I find practical support for my lady if I’m no longer here to provide it?
Thanks in advance.
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I do not have any easy answers but do you have a local ‘Support for Carers’? If you do, then you could phone and ask them for advice? I wonder if there are Advocates who could get involved in these circumstances? Also I wonder if it is worth writing to your GP and asking this question?
Hopefully Steve others will be along later and have better advise but as a fellow ‘night owl’ did not want you to think your post was being ignored. I would imagine that many others are in similar situations.
I live in Hampshire, my son has severe learning difficulties. The council have a Client Affairs Team to manage the funds of those without relatives. Maybe ask your LA.? They would approach the Court of Protection to do this formally, and be required to submit reports etc.
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Steve, my Dad went through exactly the same thoughts as you about Mum who had MS and became bed-bound. He constantly worries about “What if” and tried to plan for EVERY eventuality (which is clearly impossible). I think if something had happened to him I would have ended up moving back home and co-ordinating everything. She had carers and I would probably have been able to sort out extra hours and cover etc.
However, that was the practical side and they were lucky to have a house that whilst not huge, was in the right area to be quite valuable. It would have meant moving to a ‘cheaper’ area but capital could have been realised to release funds. In many respects they were lucky to have me available. As it turned out he survived her for another 14 years, so all his ‘What if’ plans came to nought.
I think BB has the right idea - check with a local Cares Support Centre to see what practical advice they can give as every situation can be different and they should be able to ‘sit down’ with you and go through options and local arrangements.
Good that you are thinking ahead, but please don’t over think things - like my Dad always did - as that can cause you more anxiety as well.
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