Importance of power of attorney
FAMILIES across Inverclyde are being encouraged to arrange power of attorney on behalf of their loved ones.
Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) throughout Scotland are making the appeal to coincide with a national awareness day today (Wednesday 25 November).
In the event of an illness or accident, power of attorney is a legal document allowing a nominated person to act or make decisions on a family member's behalf.
The nationwide campaign is signposting people to the mypowerofattorney.org.uk website where they can find more information.
Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde Council’s health and social care convener, has voiced his support and urged people to think ahead.
Cllr Moran said: “Nobody wants to consider a situation where they cannot make decisions for themselves, and we all hope that the time will never come.
“For most people this is true. However, for many, a life-changing event can occur. It could be an accident, a head injury, a stroke or an ongoing progressive illness, which causes them to lose capacity to look after their own affairs.
“National Power of Attorney day is bringing this issue into sharp focus. This campaign is about giving people the power to make dec
isions that will protect them, their family and those they care about should they ever lose capacity to make decisions for themselves.”
The campaign also tackles myths, including the misconception that if a person loses capacity they can rely on members of their family act on their behalf.
Unfortunately, unless an individual power of attorney has been arranged, this is not the case.
If a person has not granted powers in advance, and the person loses the capacity to make their own decisions, then the courts have to appoint someone to be their guardian.
There are ways in which family members can apply to be granted these powers after someone has lost capacity but this can be a long and expensive process and requires a court hearing.
Cllr Moran said: “Every year thousands of people across Scotland lose capacity. The only way you can plan for your future is to appoint someone with power of attorney.
“If you are in hospital or a care environment or even your own home, no one can act for you – pay bills, manage your welfare or make key decisions unless you have made your plan.
“Think and act now: If ill health or an accident means you can’t make decisions for yourself, who do you want to make them for you?”
Anyone interested in finding out more about power of attorney should consult their lawyer or visit mypowerofattorney.org.uk.
Some people may be eligible for a free service.