Families often tell me the same thing when a loved one is going through a health or social care process: they feel talked over, not talked to. Meetings happen, decisions get made, and somehow the person at the centre of it all, along with the people who love them, are left finding out afterwards. This … Read more
Poor care and a safeguarding issue are not the same thing, and the difference comes down to intent and risk. Poor care is a standards problem, such as missed tasks, understaffing, or a care plan not being followed. A safeguarding issue means an adult with care and support needs is experiencing, or is at risk of, … Read more
When capacity is borderline, everything comes down to one person in the room: the certificate provider. Get their judgement right, and the LPA holds. Get it wrong, and you’ve built something that can unravel the moment it’s tested. I’m often asked this by families at the worst possible moment, usually after a diagnosis, a fall, … Read more
If someone close to you is struggling to manage their affairs, and you are thinking about applying to the Court of Protection, you will almost certainly come across something called a COP3 assessment. It can feel like a daunting piece of paperwork in an already stressful situation. This post explains what it is, why it … Read more
Making a will is one of those things most of us know we should do, but keep putting off. In later life, the reasons to stop delaying become more pressing, and the stakes feel higher. It’s not just about money. It’s about making sure the people you love are protected, that your wishes are clear, … Read more
A psychological assessment is a structured way of understanding how someone’s thinking, feeling, and coping day to day. In adult social care and legal settings, the findings can shape care planning, inform Mental Capacity Act decisions, and help families and professionals understand what a person needs and why. If you have been told that a … Read more
The Court of Protection is a specialist court in England and Wales that makes decisions for people who can no longer make certain decisions for themselves. It operates under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and it exists to protect people who are vulnerable to abuse, financial mismanagement, or decisions that don’t truly reflect their wishes … Read more
Dementia can affect someone’s testamentary capacity, but it does not automatically mean they cannot make or change a will. The question that really matters is whether, at the exact moment the will is signed, the person understood what they were doing, what they own, and who might reasonably expect to benefit. Even with an Alzheimer’s … Read more
Giving away money or property is something many families think nothing of, until questions start to arise. Maybe a parent has started making large transfers that feel out of character. Maybe a solicitor has raised concerns about an older relative signing documents they may not fully understand. Or perhaps you are an attorney or deputy, … Read more
A professional deputy is someone appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions on behalf of an adult who no longer has the mental capacity to make those decisions themselves. In most cases, they are solicitors or other suitably qualified professionals with experience in managing complex financial or welfare matters under the Mental Capacity … Read more
Get in touch with Ashley at AJH Social Work today to schedule your initial consultation.
