We know that it’s hard to think about someone having to make decisions for us when we get older, but it always helps to plan ahead, to make sure that you ensure those who you trust are ready and able to look after your financial, care and property affairs in the event you are unable to do so in the future.
It is important that you choose who you wish to represent you whilst you are still able to make decisions for yourself.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the 'donor') appoint one or more people (known as 'attorneys') to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to do so in the future, or if you no longer want to make decisions for yourself. This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions.
There are two types of LPA that enable’s someone to make decisions on your behalf:
- Property and financial affairs - This can include paying bills, managing a bank account or selling property
- Personal welfare - This can include decisions about their health and personal welfare, such as giving consent to medical treatment or deciding where they should live.
Depending on your situation you can make an LPA for either type or both. You don't have to make both types at the same time.
You should be aware that an LPA is a powerful and important legal document, and you may wish to seek legal advice from a solicitor with experience of preparing them. There are likely to be costs involved for this work.