Ask a solicitor: My aunt, who owns the farm, is starting to dote

Am I permitted to make decisions on my aunt's behalf, and if so, how do I go about formalizing this when there is no power of attorney in place, asks this week's reader.

Am I permitted to make decisions on my aunt's behalf, and if so, how do I go about formalising this when there is no power of attorney in place, asks this week's reader.

Dear Angela,

My aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease a year or so ago. Unfortunately, the disease seems to be progressing quickly and following a hospital stay recently, my aunt was admitted to a nursing home as the hospital felt that she was not in a position to care for herself any longer. She does have some moments when she is lucid, but they are becoming less frequent, and even with home help, she would not be safe at home.