A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to represent your loved one and make decisions based on their behalf. A power of attorney is a type of advance directive. An advance directive means that your loved one can provide instruction for their future if they lose the ability to make them in the future^.1

Setting up a power of attorney can give your loved one with pulmonary fibrosis peace of mind knowing that someone they trust is in charge of their affairs.

Typical decisions you may be allowed to make as part of an advance directive may include:^1,2

• What type of medical treatment the person receives

• Whether or not they need further care

• Day-to-day choice, e.g. their diet

As part of the power of attorney, your loved one can also authorise you to help manage financial affairs. This can involve the payment of bills and can also be set up for a temporary period, such as when they’re in the hospital.

Your loved one’s preferences may change over time. It can be helpful to encourage conversations with them around this and see if they would like to update the documents.

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You can offer extra support to your loved one by helping them fill out the series of forms involved in setting up a power of attorney, or, if you both prefer, a solicitor/lawyer can also help

A power of attorney allows your loved one to make decisions ahead of time about the future, giving you both peace of mind