What is a Lasting Power of Attorney
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf if you lack mental capacity.
This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions.
You must be 18 or over and have mental capacity when you make your LPA.
There are 2 types of LPA, of which you can have one or both:
• health and welfare
• property and financial affairs
Health and Welfare LPA
This can only be used when you’re unable to make your own decisions.
An attorney (the person who make decisions for you) about things like:
• your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating
• your medical care and treatment
• where you should live
• what kind of social activities you can take part in
Property and financial affairs LPA
An attorney can generally make decisions on issues such as:
• managing your money, pensions and benefits
• paying bills
• buying and selling property
• managing the maintenance of your property
It can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission.