A power of attorney is a legal document that allows a person of your choice to represent you and make decisions on your behalf. A power of attorney is a type of advance directive. An advance directive means you can provide instructions for your future if you don't want to make your own decisions, or if you lose the ability to make decisions in the future.¹

The person with the power of attorney can be a family member, a friend or a professional (for example a lawyer/solicitor). It is important to choose someone trustworthy to be in charge of personal affairs.

Typical decisions someone may be allowed to take as part of an advance directive may include:²

• What type of medical treatment the person receives

• Whether the person should go into a care home

• How the person lives their daily life, e.g. their diet

A power of attorney can also authorise someone else, if needed, to help manage financial affairs. However, the person who sets up the power of attorney still has full control over the scope and time period agreement. For example, a power of attorney may be set up to allow someone to manage the payment of bills on your behalf, but that does not let them action all financial decisions, such as selling your house. The power of attorney agreement can also be set for a temporary period, such as when you are in hospital.

Your preferences may change over time or if your situation changes and that's ok. You can change your advance directive at any time. Make sure you discuss changes with your treatment team and your chosen health advocate, and then update your documents.

Speak to your treatment team for additional advice on where and how to begin setting up a power of attorney.

Key takeaways