There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) – one covering your financial affairs and one covering your health and welfare. Both grant authority to someone of your choosing and allow them to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to make them yourself. Here we explain more about each of these LPAs as well as the help we give to our vulnerable and elderly clients.
Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
A property and financial affairs LPA is the legal document that allows someone to help you with your financial affairs, make decisions for you, or act on your behalf if you’re no longer able to or if you simply no longer want to make your own decisions.
There are a number of reasons why you might need someone to do this:
- It could just be a temporary situation - for example, if you are in hospital and need help with everyday things such as making sure bills are paid.
- Alternatively, you may need to make longer-term plans if, for example, you have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness or you lose the mental capacity to make your own decisions in the future.
If there comes a time when you can’t manage your finances anymore, the person you appoint as your attorney will be able do this for you. This can include paying your bills, collecting your income and benefits or selling your house. However, if you want to, you can limit the decisions they are allowed to make or place conditions on what they can do.
Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
A Health and Welfare LPA allows the attorney to make decisions on your behalf about your health and welfare, if there comes a time when you are unable to do this for yourself.
Your attorney could make decisions about where you live, for example, or your day-to-day care, including your diet and what you wear. You can also give them the power to accept or refuse life-sustaining treatment on your behalf.
If someone has already lost the capacity to make an LPA, we can help with an application to the Court of Protection to appoint a deputy - usually a friend or relative or sometimes a professional - who will guide your family through what is a complicated process. Where necessary we are also happy to act as a deputy to manage your financial affairs.
For advice on Powers of Attorney, please contact Sally Kinsey or Make an Enquiry.
Elderly and Vulnerable Care Specialists and Court of Protection
We have a specialist team dedicated to our vulnerable and elderly clients and families. They have a comprehensive understanding of client needs and will always treat you in a professional, approachable and friendly manner.
We are happy to advise on any care for the vulnerable/elderly matter including powers of attorney, court of protection, benefits or care funding advice.
As well as East Sussex, we also act as attorney and deputy for many clients throughout Kent and the rest of Sussex.
We visit them regularly in their own home, residential or nursing home to advise on everything from investment and tax planning to care fees planning, payment of fees and household bills. We also regularly review our clients care plans and check on their welfare.
Contact our powers of attorney solicitors in East Sussex
For advice on any vulnerable or care for the elderly matters, please contact Tracey May or Make an Enquiry.