Better care for the elderly evident as rising number of people register for power of attorney
Power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that can be used to give another person the authority to make health care decisions, financial transactions, or sign legal documents that you may not be able to do for yourself for some reason, giving you peace of mind that someone you trust is in charge of your affairs.
Over 5 million UK residents have a registered lasting power of attorney in place giving them peace of mind that someone they trust is in charge of their affairs. In recent years, there has been a dramatic growth in registrations, reflecting a growing trend towards improved security and care for the elderly.
A high proportion of the UK elderly population are living independently or in care homes, so having power of attorneys in place can bring much-needed reassurance and allow for more informed financial planning.
If you’re aged 18 or older and have the mental capacity to make financial, property, and medical decisions for yourself, you can arrange for someone else to make these decisions for you in the future. The person making the power of attorney is called a donor and the person appointed to act on their behalf is called an attorney.
Powers of attorney may be short term – because you’re in hospital, abroad or you’re finding it harder to get out and about to the bank or post office, and you may need help with everyday tasks such as paying bills, or it may be longer-term – say, if you’ve have been diagnosed with dementia and risk losing your mental capacity to make important decisions.
There are two types of power of attorney and you can set up both:
Ordinary power of attorney
This covers decisions about your financial affairs and is only valid while you have mental capacity to make your own decisions. It is suitable if you need cover for a temporary period (hospital stay or holiday) or if you find it hard to get out, or you want someone to act for you. You can limit the power you give your attorney so that they can only deal with certain assets, for example, your bank account but not your home.
Lasting power of attorney (LPA)
LPAs are used if there comes a time when you don’t have the mental capacity to make your own decisions and you need to ensure you’re covered in the future. There are two types of LPA:
- For financial decisions:
- buying or selling property
- paying the mortgage, investing money & paying bills
- collecting pension or benefits
- For health and care decisions:
- your medical care
- moving into a care home
- your daily routine – washing, dressing, eating
- life-saving treatment
Setting up an LPA is set to get easier
The Office of the Public Guardian is responsible for processing LPA applications. Due to rising demand and Covid-related labour shortages, it currently takes around 20 weeks for an LPA to be processed. The current system is mainly paper-based. However, this could change in the near future as the government is now reviewing how to simplify the application process online.
Enduring power of attorney (EPAs) were replaced by LPAs in October 2007. However, if you made and signed an EPA before then, it should still be valid.
If you want to set up an ordinary power of attorney you should contact your local Citizen’s Advice or get advice from a solicitor. For help deciding if you should make a lasting power of attorney, contact the Office of the Public Guardian – customerservices@publicguardian.gov.uk or telephone 0300 456 0300.
Click here to read seven steps to take when writing a will.
Other articles you may like
- Slow cooked beef casserole
We love Nicky Corbishley’s take on a lighter version of this classic British dish. It’s become a staple over the summer and our resident’s have enjoyed the fresh variation, which makes use of crisp vegetables and couscous. - Why routine matters later in life
As we grow older, familiarity often becomes increasingly important. Small daily routines – whether it’s enjoying a morning cup of tea, reading the newspaper after breakfast, tending to the garden, or listening to a favourite song before bed – can provide comfort, confidence, and a reassuring sense of normality. - Kentish Treacle and Lemon Tart
Chef John always creates the most delicious desserts, and he hasn’t missed with this one either. The mouth-watering Kentish lemon tart has not disappointed and is super easy to make. We have taken inspiration from BBC Good Food. - How can we protect our residents in the sun?
A few years ago, we’d be lucky to see a summer that would hit mid-twenty degrees. July would usually fall between 19°C to 23°C, and whilst it would be hot, it was nowhere near the mid-thirties! - Chicken Caesar Salad
Chef John’s salads are always a hit, so here’s another variation on a timeless classic. Chicken caesar salad uses little ingredients to create maximum flavour, and the dish is easily customisable to whatever you fancy. We’ve taken inspo from BBC Good Food for this one. You can also boost this dish with extra veg, like cucumber, carrot, radishes and tomatoes. In this heat, veg with high water content (such as lettuce) is also great for staying hydrated. - What are the different roles in a care home?
At Birchwood, everyone plays their part. We take so much pride and care in the work that we do, and knowing we can make a difference in our residents’ lives makes all the difference. We genuinely care about our residents, and the connections we make is what makes us so special. We make sure every resident can enjoy their time here, and feel cared for every day with loving, qualified staff. And because our team is nothing short of exceptional, we thought it’s time to introduce everyone! Here, we want to spotlight all the different roles in our care home, and just how each person supports our residents’ wellbeing. - How can we support adults with neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is increasingly talked about in care, especially when it comes to meeting emotional needs. And whilst it’s so good to see this happening, sometimes older adults are left out of the conversation. Focus tends to be on children, particularly for school support and early diagnosis. - Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlée
The Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlé offers a sumptuous take on a timeless dessert, balancing comfort with sophistication. Hidden beneath its signature, shimmering caramel crust is a silky custard, enriched with the warm, floral sweetness of golden honey. - Prawn and chorizo pasta
This prawn and chorizo pasta offers a perfect mix of sweet and smoky flavour. The prawn brings a lighter, more delicate touch, whilst the chorizo gives the dish a richness. Plus, the fat from the chorizo is great for creating the sauce base! This one is from BBC Food and it’s super easy to prep and make, mixing lots of flavours in a way that feels warm and comfortable. Perfect for spring!
