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If you are in a situation where you are going to lose the mental capacity to make your own decisions, you need to apply for someone to act on your behalf once you are no longer able to. This is termed a lasting power of attorney. There are two forms of lasting power of attorney: a health and welfare power of attorney or a property and financial affairs power of attorney. If you are applying for either form of power of attorney you must have the full mental capacity to do so, and must fully understand the weight of your decisions. A solicitor must be involved to ensure that the application procedure is adhered to and that no one is coerced into giving an individual control over their affairs when they are not happy. What is a Health and Welfare Power of Attorney? A Health and Welfare Power of Attorney will give an individual (or individuals) of your choosing the power to make everyday decisions about your care as well as making bigger decisions such as what treatment you should receive if you are hospitalised. The kind of decisions this power of attorney covers are: 1. Whether or not life-support should be used for you if this decision needs to be made. 2. What you will eat, wear and do on a daily basis. 3. Who will care for you if you need a carer to help you in your own home. Also, what care home you will be housed in if you need to be moved into a permanent care home. 4. General decisions regarding medicines and other medical care. As can be seen, there is a lot of responsibility that you will be giving the individual you choose to take on this role. This is why it is possible to give multiple individuals power of attorney. It is completely your decision who you choose. Often people choose to give a close friend, a son or daughter, or another family member power of attorney. Whoever you choose to take on this role, you must ensure that you are certain they will have your best interests in mind at all times. For this reason you should choose someone you know very well and who knows you very well so they will be able to think about what your wishes would have been when they are deciding things on your behalf. Think carefully about who you choose to give power of attorney and also make sure you talk it through with them. Talking about loss of mental capacity in advance will make you and your loved ones feel prepared when the time comes. Wherever you are in Kent, these Orpington Solicitors can help you For specialist power of attorney solicitors contact Ducat Law today.
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