Health & Welfare LPA

What is a Health & Welfare LPA?

A Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney can be used to give your chosen attorneys the power to make decisions about your healthcare, accommodation and day-to-day life.

What does it cover?

Once you lose mental capacity, a Health & Welfare LPA will enable your attorneys to manage your physical and mental wellbeing. These decisions include the power to:

Decide what healthcare you have access to and where you will receive it.
Allow your attorneys to pick up prescriptions, set up doctor’s appointments, and make treatment decisions
Arrange accommodation for the donor, whether staying with family or moving into residential care.
Organise a day-to-day routine for the donor, including dieting, clothing and exercise.

How much does it cost?

Individually, a Health & Welfare LPA will cost from £99 per person subject to the service you proceed with. This excludes the Office of the Public Guardian’s registration fees.

How long does it last?

A Health & Welfare LPA will come into effect when you are not able to care for yourself, either due to advanced age, or some form of accident or illness. At this point, your chosen attorneys are legally responsible for acting in your best interests.

The LPA will end if the donor regains their mental capacity, they pass away or their attorney is removed from the role.

What if I don’t have a Health & Welfare LPA?

Without a Health & Welfare LPA in place, your next-of-kin will have no say in decision-making about your health and wellbeing, with healthcare professionals taking over.

The process of applying for deputyship from the Court of Protection is a very long, expensive and stressful process for families that can be avoided with an LPA so it is best to get it done sooner than later.