Why YOU Need A Lasting Power of Attorney

Dominic Littlewood from the BBC’s ‘The One Show’ talks to Heather Bateman about her experiences

Lasting Power of Attorney

Making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the only certain way to protect your interests under these circumstances following the Mental Capacity Act 2005 which came into effect from October 1st 2007.  The Lasting Power of Attorney replaced the old Enduring Power of Attorney.  Providing you put this document in place prior to losing mental incapacity, you can name who you wish to become your Attorneys and state the  powers  you want them to have.

There are two kind of LPA available to you:

• health and welfare
• property and financial affairs

Health and welfare Lasting Power of Attorney

This allows you to choose 1 person or more to make decisions about things like:

• your daily routine (eg eating and what to wear)
• medical care
• moving into a care home
• refusing life-sustaining treatment

This Lasting Power of Attorney can only be used once someone is unable to make their own decisions.

Property and financial affairs Lasting Power of Attorney

This lets you choose 1 person or more to make decisions about money and property for you, eg:

• paying bills
• collecting benefits
• selling your home

You can appoint someone to look after your property and financial affairs at any time.