Why putting a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney in place really matters

Why putting a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney in place really matters

Making plans for your future is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take – particularly when it comes to your health and personal care. A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, if you become unable to make them yourself.

Without a legally recognised LPA, your family or friends may not be able to make important decisions for you – even in an emergency. Putting a Health and Welfare LPA in place gives you peace of mind, knowing your voice will still be heard, whatever happens.

What is a Health and Welfare LPA?

A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal tool that lets you name one or more people – your attorneys – to make decisions about your care and wellbeing if you lose mental capacity in the future.

It allows them to make decisions about:

• Where you live and who looks after you

• What you eat and wear

• Your daily routines and activities

• Medical treatment you receive

• Life-sustaining treatment

• End-of-life care, including organ donation

Setting up this kind of LPA ensures that your preferences are not only known, but legally protected. You decide who can speak up for you, should the need ever arise.

1. Take time to consider your wishes

Begin by thinking carefully about the type of care and support you would want in the future. Would you rather stay in your own home than go into residential care? Do you have clear views on treatments such as resuscitation or pain relief? Are there any cultural or religious beliefs that should be respected?

Writing down your thoughts can help clarify your priorities and shape a clear plan for the future.

2. Talk it through with your loved ones

Once you have a good idea of your preferences, speak to those closest to you. Choose someone you trust – perhaps a relative or close friend – and explain how you feel about your future care.

It’s not always an easy conversation to have, but it’s an important one. It means your loved ones won’t be left with uncertainty later on. And it gives them confidence that they’ll be acting in line with your wishes, not guessing what you might have wanted.

It’s never too soon to start these conversations – but sometimes it can be too late.

3. Get legal advice to make your wishes official

Although it’s possible to complete an LPA using online forms, doing it alone can lead to complications. Even small mistakes or unclear wording may cause delays – or worse, the LPA might not be accepted when it’s needed most.

To make sure your wishes are properly documented and legally sound, it’s wise to speak to a specialist. At mlplaw, our experienced team can guide you through the entire process. We’ll ensure your LPA is valid, reflects your wishes clearly, and covers everything you might not have considered.

If you’re thinking about putting a Health and Welfare LPA in place and would like tailored advice or support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you plan with confidence.

Click here to find out more about LPAs