A Health and Welfare Power of Attorney gives one or more trusted persons the ability to make decisions on your behalf in relation to your care, treatment, and day-to-day wellbeing if you are unable to do so yourself.
The aim of Health and Welfare Lasting Powers of Attorney is described as putting “the patients, their relatives and carers first, treating them with dignity and respect”. As such, a patient who has a Health and Welfare Power of Attorney in place can rest assured that their attorneys, being their chosen family members, friends, or carers, will be able to and make their wishes known.
The Power of Attorney can be registered straight away while you still have full mental capacity. This means that if the unfortunate time comes when you are unable to make decisions in relation to your own care and treatment, the Power can be used immediately by your appointed attorney(s).
Terminal illnesses are unpredictable and can sadly strike at any time; devastating families and loved ones. However, as Lasting Powers of Attorney are prepared and registered while you have full mental capacity, you can choose in advance who you want to make decisions in relation to your care.
It is possible to detail your wishes within the body of the Lasting Power of Attorney or, alternatively, you can have a discussion with your Attorneys or write them a letter to be stored alongside the Lasting Power of Attorney. This means that you can plan and discuss your wishes for future treatment and care with your loved ones, reassured that when the time comes your chosen representatives, they will make your wishes known.
Health and Welfare Powers of Attorney therefore offer clients a way to safeguard their future interests in the unfortunate event that they become seriously ill or unable to deal with their own affairs.
By appointing an attorney or attorneys under a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney, you are ensuring that the loved ones you have chosen, and trust will be those your carers, clinicians and medical staff will talk to before determining your best interests.