If you are looking after your parent’s property, then there are a number of things to plan for, such as burst pipes, utility bills, collecting post, gardening, and refuse collection.
If your loved one is in the hospital or in care for long periods of time, you may need to look after their post, their affairs, and their property, and in some cases, exercise your lasting power of attorney. In these circumstances, you might need to respond to common problems such as leaking pipes.
Make sure you know:
- How to turn the water off
- How to operate the heating and thermostat
- Where to find the fuse box
- Any home insurance details
- The details of the utility companies
- When the boiler was last serviced
It may also be useful to check and note the contact details of any essential and preferred local trades professionals using the checklist below.
If a home is empty for an extended period
Contact your loved one’s insurance company and explain the situation. They are often very supportive, especially if you are an appointed power of attorney for your parent or loved one.
Similarly, many utility companies are also supportive and can advise you on how best to manage any outstanding bill payments.
Consider the police advice regarding securing a property.
Managing mail and correspondence
For a small fee, Royal Mail can redirect any mail to a UK or overseas address for a period of 3, 6, or 12 months.
However, it is important to recognise that many important communications might exist as email correspondence. If you do not know how to access their email or relevant digital files and accounts, then you both might be dealing with a significant challenge.
It is worthwhile considering these challenges in advance and finding a mutually acceptable solution. Password security is essential, but enabling someone to manage your affairs in an emergency is also important.
Lasting Powers of Attorney (Finance and Property) will help
This situation is one in which being named as having Lasting Power of Attorney for property and financial affairs will make life much easier for you. These Lasting Powers of Attorney give you the legal backing, evidence, and documentation to act on your parent’s behalf and manage their affairs. Consequently, this very much smooths and simplifies any conversations or arrangements about paying bills and managing property, as it gives any other parties the confidence that everything meets the legal requirements. We have more information about Lasting Powers of Attorney on our website.
Useful Contacts and Telephone Numbers
Think ahead, talk to your loved ones, and make sure you know who to contact if the need arises:
| For you to fill in: | Name, Number & Contact details |
| Family, friends or neighbours who live nearby and can help at short notice | |
| A trusted key holder | |
| An emergency contact for any pets including dog walkers, kennels or catteries, | |
| Local / preferred plumber | |
| Local / preferred electrician | |
| Local / preferred joiner | |
| Local / preferred window/glazier | |
| Local / preferred heating engineer | |
| Local / preferred locksmith | |
| Local / preferred gardener | |
| Utility companies | |
| Local Authority Adult Social Care Department | |
| Home Insurance company | |
| GP surgery | |
| Bank branch for contact |
Make sure this list is easily accessible to both you and your loved one in event of an emergency. Update as necessary.
Free eBook: Planning for an Emergency
Sadly, many Carents know that later life can be challenging for older adults living with ongoing health problems, often leading to physical, financial, or emotional difficulties.
By planning ahead, you can greatly reduce the risks and dangers of these vulnerable situations.
This eBook explores the most common challenges affecting Carents and the ones they love, and shows what you can do to lower risks, find support, and respond quickly when help is needed.
Simply complete the form and the eBook will be sent to you via email.
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