A lasting power of attorney lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more
people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf.
This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and can’t make your own
decisions.
You must be 18 or over and have the ability to make your own decisions when you make your lasting power of
attorney.
There are 2 types :
Property & Financial Affairs
Give an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you, for example managing a bank or
building society account, paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension, or selling your home. It can be used as soon
as it’s registered, with your permission.
Health & Welfare
Give an attorney the power to make decisions about things like your daily routine (eg.washing, dressing and eating),
medical care, moving into a care home and life-sustaining treatment. It can only be used when you’re unable to make
your own decisions.