Don’t leave it too late, arrange a POA now

Families across the Western Isles are being encouraged to arrange Power of Attorney (PoA) on behalf of their loved ones.
People are being urged to consider arranging a POA now.People are being urged to consider arranging a POA now.
People are being urged to consider arranging a POA now.

In the event of an illness or accident, a PoA is a legal document allowing a nominated person to act or make decisions on a family member’s behalf.

Gordon Jamieson, NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, has voiced his support – and urged people to think ahead.

Gordon 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.

“This is about giving people the power to make decisions that will protect them, their family and those they care about should they ever lose capacity to make decisions for themselves.”

A range of radio and television adverts, tackles some 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 PoA 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.

Gordon added: “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.

“Think and act now: If ill health or an accident means you can’t make decisions, who do you want to make them?”

To find out more visit https://mypowerofattorney.org.uk.

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