Your Voice . Your Decision: A Lasting Power of Attorney
A lasting power of attorney gives you a voice and protects your decisions. They are helpful for everyone over the age of 18.
This legal document makes it easier for the people you trust to support you when you need it most.
It means you keep control of certain decisions by choosing who you want to make them if you lose the power to make certain decisions. It could be to help with decisions about finances during a short hospital stay, or support to manage decisions about your health and care in the longer-term.
How it works
There are two different types of lasting power of attorney, also known as LPAs. One covers property and finance, such as paying bills or managing bank accounts. The other covers health and care, such as medical treatment or living conditions.
When you make a lasting power of attorney you, known as the “donor”, name people you trust, known as “attorneys”. Attorneys make decisions on your behalf if you’re not able to. The Office of the Public Guardian is responsible for registering lasting powers of attorney. Once in place the people you trust can quickly and easily step in.
What you need to know
- close family or friends would not be able to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the power to make certain decisions without an LPA
- registering a lasting power of attorney is probably easier and cheaper than you think. Depending on your circumstances, there even may not be a charge
- making a lasting power of attorney helps plan for your future on your own terms
Learn more about lasting powers of attorney: https://powerofattorney.campaign.gov.uk
Who will speak for you if you can’t speak for yourself? Join the conversation online #YourVoiceYourDecision