Having a lasting power of attorney (LPA) is important for when you may not be able to make decisions yourself.
An LPA is someone you choose to legally make decisions about your healthcare or your finances. You can appoint one attorney or more than one. They can be a relative, a friend, a partner or a professional (such as a solicitor).
Essentially, they are someone that you trust to make the right decisions when you are no longer to do so yourself. There are two types of LPA – health and welfare and property and financial affairs. You may choose to have one LPA or both.
An LPA is selected by you to look after two areas: financial affairs and health.
The process of appointing a lasting power of attorney can take 3 months for each, so it's best to do this well in advance.
An LPA cannot make decisions for you unless you are not fit to do so.
GemmaAs an LPA, I have peace of mind that I can make decisions for my mum and dad if I need to
Health and welfare
An LPA for health and welfare gives the person you appoint the power to
make decisions on your behalf about your medical care,
your daily routine (such as eating, washing and dressing) etc. This can only be used when you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
Property and financial affairs
A property and financial affairs LPA gives the person, or people, you
appoint the power to make decisions about money and any property you
may have. For example, selling your home, paying bills,
collecting benefits or a pension and managing bank accounts. This type of LPA can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission.