Just 11% of adults have chosen someone to look after affairs if they become incapacitated

Safeguarding Ireland Chairperson Patricia Rickard-Clarke said: “Planning ahead means that these important decisions are recorded with a legal basis, and in the care of a person we have chosen and trust, for if ever in the future we need help.” 

Only 11% of Irish adults have nominated someone to look after their financial and legal affairs should they become incapacitated and this leaves them at risk of abuse, Safeguarding Ireland has warned.

Dementia or acquired brain injury after accidents are among the reasons adults could become vulnerable if their affairs are not protected. However, only 5% have documented where they would like to be cared for if they become this seriously ill.