A Lasting Power of Attorney, also known as an LPA, is a type of UK Power of Attorney that enables an individual, or the donor, to appoint one or more trusted persons, the attorneys, to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity. These attorneys are usually family or close friends, or they may be a solicitor.
The appointed attorneys will liaise with care homes regarding any decisions that are required and will act as a proxy for the donor.
For those who need a UK Power Of Attorney, there are options available online for completing this legal document that make the process speedy and seamless. This ensures that documentation can easily be put in place to protect those who no longer have the mental capacity to make important decisions themselves.
Types of LPA Differ
There are two types of LPA. The health and welfare LPA, which covers care, medical treatment, and living arrangements, and a property and financial affairs LPA, which covers money, property, and paying care home fees.
For care homes, having an LPA in place is important to ensure that all of a resident’s decisions are respected and that finances are handled properly.
Every Resident Should Have an LPA
Care homes should always check that an LPA is valid and registered.
If a resident does not have an LPA and loses capacity, the courts may appoint a deputy, which can be slow and costly. For this reason, it’s in a care home’s best interests to ensure all residents have LPAs.