What is a Lasting Power of Attorney

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A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that gives:

• Authority for someone of your choice to take responsibility for your affairs if you suffer an accident, illness or other incapacity which means you are no longer able to manage your own affairs on a temporary or permanent basis
• Guidance to enable decisions to be made about your affairs based on your wishes
• Information about your wishes in respect of medical treatment or ongoing care
• Reassurance that your affairs can be managed without involvement of the Court of Protection
• Comfort that someone you know and trust will care for you and your affairs

There are two types of LPA. You can register one or both:

Property and Financial Affairs
You choose one or more people you trust who are allowed to make decisions about money and property for you, such as dealing with utilities or insurance, benefits claims, etc.
This does not stop you from managing your financial affairs yourself, it simply gives you control over which ones you wish to deal with and which you want someone else to help with.

Health and Welfare
A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney can only be activated if you are no longer able to make your own decisions and covers decisions such as: your daily routine, for example: what to wear, hair care, diet choices; medical care; moving into a care home; refusing life-sustaining treatment