Why are lasting powers of attorney a good idea?

Making lasting powers of attorney makes good sense and are extremely useful.  They enable you to appoint those you trust to make decisions regarding your care and finances when you are no longer able to.

There are two types of lasting power of attorney; one relating to property and financial affairs and the second relating to health and welfare. In both powers you can appoint more than one attorney and also replacement attorneys which allows you greater flexibility when making a power.  Your attorneys act in your best interests but you can place restrictions on their actions if you wish to and also place guidance in the lasting powers of attorney.

The benefits of making lasting powers of attorney are that if you suffer from any memory problems or you become frailer and simply can’t manage your affairs you have appointed people who can act in your bests interests and help manage your affairs.

A health and welfare lasting power of attorney is proving to be more useful than ever, this type of power can only be used once you lose the ability to make medical and day to day living decisions for yourself.  It enables you to appoint those you trust to make decisions regarding your care when you are no longer able to.

You can authorise your attorneys to consent or refuse to life sustaining treatment and end of life decisions on your behalf if they are aware of your wishes.

These powers are very useful regarding hospital admissions but also general day to day decisions made with the GP and care services in the home and adult care services regarding access to care.   NHS guidance ask practitioners: is a health and welfare power in place?