Why a health and welfare Power of Attorney is important

No one likes the thought that one day they may be old and infirm, but for many it is an inevitability. The projected rise in dementia, commonly caused by Alzeimer’s disease, is cause enough for concern but it also brings into sharp focus the need to get financial matters sorted out sooner rather than later. This is where a Power of Attorney (LPA) can really help.

An LPA is not just about taking care of someone’s financial affairs, it allows important welfare issues to be given the right amount of attention too. There are two types of LPA that individuals can create; one for financial matters which gives an appointed Attorney the ability to make legal decisions on behalf of an individual. The other relates to health and welfare, allowing decisions regarding medical care and treatment to be made by an Attorney on behalf of an individual, should they become incapable of expressing their wishes personally.

With the UK’s ageing population and the rising need for long term care in nursing homes, close relatives have increasingly found that they are excluded from decisions made by social services or medical staff about the day-to-day care of a loved one, which can be distressing and also detrimental.

Having a health and welfare LPA in place gives the Attorney the legal authority to override decisions that are not in accordance with the individual’s wishes on all levels, including details such as specific dietary requirements.

Our experts at Royds have extensive knowledge and experience of helping clients to plan for their future and ensure they have the measures in place to protect their estates and their chosen beneficiaries, whether by way of creating a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare or for financial affairs.

For more information, please visit or contact Tony Millson or Deanna Hurst.