Lasting Powers of Attorney: The conversations we all need to have

You may well be aware of the recent publicity surrounding the interim findings made by the CQC of its reports into concerns that during the early weeks of the pandemic that do not resuscitate orders(DNR) were wrongly applied in care homes across the country. These do not resuscitate orders were applied without proper and meaningful consultation with patients and their loved ones. This is clearly shocking but it has focused attention on the need for us all to have our own conversations with our loved ones about what should happen to us if we lose mental capacity.

Although some may find it a difficult conversation to have, it is essential that we all should talk to our family about our wishes, should we lose mental capacity or need emergency medical treatment.

It should cause us all to focus our minds on the need to have in place a legally binding health and welfare power of attorney, setting out our wishes should we lose mental capacity.

A properly worded health and welfare lasting power of attorney can give your loved ones the power to make decisions about not only serious issues regarding medical treatment but also about your general care and health issues ,should you unfortunately lose capacity.

The clear message must be that it is vital that we think and talk about our wishes should we no longer be capable of making our own decisions about health and welfare issues.

In order to make sure that the health and welfare power of attorney is appropriate and suitable in your situation, you ought to obtain advice from a specialist solicitor acting in this field.