What would happen if you lost mental capacity? Do you have a person you can trust to make decisions for you should the worst happen?

 

A stroke, dementia, car accident, can leave you incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself.

 

Making a lasting power of attorney puts you in control and means you can appoint someone you can trust (an attorney) to make decisions in your best interest when needed. An attorney can be a family member, partner, or a friend. 

 

There are two Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA):

Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your attorney to make decisions about

• managing your bank accounts

• paying bills

• collecting benefits or a pension

• selling your home

 

Health and Welfare LPA allows your attorney to make decisions about 

• your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating

• medical care

• moving into a care home

• life-sustaining treatment

 

Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, your next of kin will not be able to deal with your affairs, and the Court of Protection will have to appoint a deputy to manage your welfare and financial affairs and this will be a lengthy and costly process. 

 

For peace of mind, make arrangements while you have mental capacity.