Understanding

Lasting Powers of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document thatlets you choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you're ever unable to do so yourself. This could be due to illness, injury, or
dementia.

What Can an LPA Do?

There are two main types of LPAs:

Property and Financial Affairs LPA: 

These are used to make decisions relating to the following: 

• Buying or selling property 
• Investments
• Tax
• Paying the mortgage
• Paying other bills
• Property repairs and maintenance
• Managing bank accounts
• Welfare benefits
• Other certain benefits
• Pensions
  

Health and Welfare LPA:

These are used to make decisions relating to the following: 

• Medical care and medical treatments 
• Other medical interventions if you’re likely to be in danger 
• Other types of support, such as whether you’d like to be looked after in a nursing home or through home care 
• Diet and nutrition 
• Who you have contact with 
• Social activities you take part in 
• Your overall living situation
  

When to Make an LPA

It's best to create an LPA while you're still healthy and able to make clear decisions. It's especially important for older adults who are more likely to experience age-related health issues. To create an LPA, you must be at least 18 years old and have the mental capacity to make important decisions about your finances, property, and healthcare. If you meet these requirements, you can appoint one or more attorneys (also 18 or older) to make decisions on your behalf. These attorneys can act jointly, making all decisions together, or jointly and severally, where some decisions are made together and others individually.

Benefits of Having an LPA 

• You can appoint people you trust 
• They protect you from fraud and keep your assets safe 
• You can leave specific instructions, such as if there’s a certain care home you’d like to be placed in 
• You’ll feel confident about receiving treatment that reflects your wishes 
• Your loved ones will be able to access your money if necessary 
• They allow you to plan in advance 
• Life can quickly become expensive and stressful without one 
• There are different types of LPA, so you can choose which one is best for your particular situation
  

Above all, they provide peace of mind for you and your lovedones during what can be a difficult and emotional time.

Lasting Power of Attorney in Care Homes

A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) grants your appointed attorney the authority to make decisions regarding your healthcare, including the potential transition to a care home.

When considering a care home, the manager will discuss yourpreferences to ensure that your specific needs are met. Having an LPA in place provides reassurance that your chosen representative will advocate for your best interests and make informed decisions on your behalf.

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LPA Resources

This article provides a general overview. For further details, consider these resources:

• GOV.UK: Create an LPA in England or Wales 
• Office of the Public Guardian: Learn more about LPAs and registering them
  

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