As an unpaid carer, you play a vital role in supporting someone who may need assistance in making decisions about their finances, health, or care. But have you ever considered how decisions will be made if the person you care for is unable to make them for themselves? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can help ensure their wishes are respected, while also giving you the support you may need in those challenging times. Here's an overview of how an LPA works and how it can provide both you and the person you care for with peace of mind.
Your Voice. Your Decision
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
As an unpaid carer, it’s important to ensure that the person you look after has the necessary legal protection in place for times when they can no longer make decisions for themselves. A Lasting Power of Attorney can give you and your loved one the reassurance that their wishes will be respected, and decisions will be made by someone they trust. Consider setting up an LPA today to plan for the future and provide peace of mind for you both.
Learn more about lasting powers of attorney: https://powerofattorney.campaign.gov.uk
Or for information on how to make a lasting power of attorney.
Go to make a lasting power of attorney on GOV.UK
You can also download the forms - you’ll need to fill them in, then print them off and sign them
