Explains that creating a lasting power of attorney is quick and easy, especially when using the online service. The service guides users through answering the questions and explains the process along the way. The service can be found here: service at www.lastingpowerofattorney.service.gov.uk/home.

This document guides carers of people living with dementia through the process of making difficult decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic whilst taking into consideration wishes and preferences of those they care for and the legal aspects of making decisions. The guide covers a number of decisions carers may need to make if the person they are caring for has or is suspected to have Covid-19. These include decisions such as how to care for them if they are unable to visit them, whether they should go to hospital if they become unwell and what it means to have a do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation order. The guide also provides useful tips for carers such as the Covid-19 symptoms to watch out for which may differ to the commonly recognised symptoms, where to find help and support when making decisions and how to look after yourself as a carer. Topics covered include: thinking about any existing advance care plans; wishes and preferences; legal aspects of decision making; managing care at home; supporting someone in a care home; admitting them to hospital if they are very unwell; support for carers; and how carers can look after themselves during coronavirus and beyond.

Ann explains how simple she found it to make a lasting power of attorney using the new digital service on GOV.UK.

The book provides an overview of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Court of Protection, before turning to a step-by-step guide through the processes of preparing and making an application, funding and representation issues, preparing for and appearing at hearings, evidence, costs, enforcement and appeals. Also, on this site, are links to relevant statutory materials, other guidance, useful (free) web resources, and updates on practice and procedure before the Court of Protection. The updates take the form of blog posts on the site and also (where relevant) updates are cross-referenced to the relevant paragraphs in the book.

The guidance outlines how the coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission risk can be minimised when support is provided so that people who need assistance can visit shops, socialise or exercise safely. Contents include: who can get support; what ‘getting support’ means; getting support while socially distancing; who should help you; what everyone should do when they provide support to you; getting support from someone in your household or support bubble or your normal carer; getting support from someone who is not in your household or support bubble, or is not your normal carer; getting support from volunteers or organisations; if you have symptoms. [Published 2 September 2020. Last updated 3 March 2022]

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets out what should happen in England and Wales if someone is unable to make decisions for themselves. This information pack is designed to help the family carers of people with learning disabilities understand how the Mental Capacity Act applies to them when: they want to support a member of their family to make a decision; the family carer needs to make a decision or act on a relative’s behalf; and a worker or organisation makes a decision or acts on behalf of their relative. The written material in the pack gives detailed information about what should happen in these situations and recommends sources of further information and advice on specific topics. Sections include: the five principles of the Mental Capacity Act; code of practice of the mental capacity act; involving family; assessing capacity; best interests; transition to adulthood; moving home; getting authority to make decisions; managing finances; welfare benefits appointee; applying to be a deputy; lasting power of attorney; decisions about health care: challenging; safeguarding; deprivation of liberty safeguards; and words and phrases included in this information.

This introductory guide is for people detained under sections 2 and 3 of the Mental Health Act, or people who are in hospital as a voluntary patient. A voluntary patient (also called an informal patient) is someone who is in hospital but is not detained under the Mental Health Act. Sections cover: why am I being detained; how should the decision to detain me be made; your right to speak to an independent mental health advocate; what can you or your nearest relative do if you think that you shouldn’t be in hospital; and additional guidance for those who need to stay in hospital and extra help for disabled people.

This introductory guide is for people detained under section 35, 36, 37, 37/41, 38, 45A, 47, 47/49, 48 or 48/49 of the Mental Health Act. These are people who are suspected or have been convicted of a crime and the courts and doctors have decided that they need to stay in a mental health hospital to get support and care for their mental health condition. The guide explains what rights individuals have and what should happen to them at different stages through their journey in hospital. There are six parts to this guide. The first four parts (A-D) relate to the different stages of stay in hospital in time order, covering: the decision to detain; being detained in hospital; staying in hospital; and leaving hospital. Part E explains how to make a complaint at any stage of one’s stay in hospital; and Part F explains some of the key terms used in this document.

This introductory guide is for people detained under section 35, 36, 37, 37/41, 38, 45A, 47, 47/49, 48 or 48/49 of the Mental Health Act. These are people who are suspected or have been convicted of a crime and the courts and doctors have decided that they need to stay in a mental health hospital to get support and care for their mental health condition. The guide explains what their rights are and what should happen to them at different stages through their journey in hospital. Sections cover: which section of the Mental Health Act can I be detained under; how should the decision to detain me be made; your right to speak to an independent mental health advocate; what can you or your nearest relative do if you think that you shouldn’t be in hospital; and additional guidance for people who need to stay in hospital and how disabled people can get extra help.

This guidance provides an overview of deputyship. It covers: who can apply to be a deputy; responsibilities; apply to be a deputy; fees; after you’ve applied; when you’re appointed; supervision, support and visits; accounts, gifts and expenses; complete your deputy report; change your deputyship or make a one-off decision; end your deputyship.

Annual report and fees forms and guidance for anyone appointed as a deputy.

This guide is for people detained under section 2 and 3 of the Mental Health Act or if you are staying in hospital as a voluntary patient. A voluntary patient (also called an informal patient) is someone who is in hospital but is not detained under the Mental Health Act. They can leave hospital at any time. However, if health professionals are concerned about their safety or the safety of others, they can stop them from leaving for up to 72 hours. The guide explains what rights individuals have and what should happen to them at different stages through their journey in hospital. There are six parts to this guide. The first four parts (A-D) relate to the different stages of stay in hospital in time order, covering: the decision to detain; being detained in hospital; staying in hospital; and leaving hospital. Part E explains how to make a complaint at any stage of one’s stay in hospital; and Part F explains some of the key terms used in this document.