Someone to act on your behalf

In the event of becoming seriously unwell, you may find it difficult to manage your financial affairs and may be unable to make decisions about health and care. If this is a concern then a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) might provide valuable peace of mind. It allows someone else, usually a friend or family member, to make decisions and take care of things on your behalf.

This could just be a temporary situation: for example, if you're in hospital and need help with everyday tasks, or you may need to make longer-term plans if, for example, you have been diagnosed with dementia and you may lose the mental capacity to make your own decisions in the future.



It can be reassuring to know that someone you trust will be able to make decisions on your behalf if you become unwell. This is particularly the case for people with illnesses such as dementia, which will increasingly affect their ability to understand things and make decisions. Even if you do not have an illness that will affect your thinking and reasoning, speech and communication could also make it a challenge to express our wishes.

If you’re married or in a civil partnership do not assume that your spouse would automatically be able to deal with your bank account and pensions, and make decisions about your healthcare, if you lose the ability to do so. This is not the case unless you have a LPA.

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