Preparing your health and welfare attorneys
Because appointing someone is only the beginning.
More than a signature
Appointing an attorney is a significant act of trust. But having legal authority does not mean someone automatically understands your values, your treatment preferences, or what you would see as an acceptable quality of life. Our specialist nurses help you and your chosen attorneys prepare together.
Why preparation matters
One day your attorney may be asked about going into hospital, antibiotics, ventilation or other treatment when you cannot speak for yourself. They must make that decision in your best interests, and that includes taking account of your wishes, feelings, beliefs and values. Talking about your priorities before a crisis reduces uncertainty and helps them make informed decisions with confidence.
What we explore
We guide structured conversations about:
- your beliefs and values
- what independence, communication and quality of life mean to you
- your views on future medical treatment
- your attorneys’ legal responsibilities, and the limits of their authority
- how to talk with healthcare professionals
A meaningful record of your wishes
We can help you create a structured record of your preferences and the reasons behind them. This can be written as an advance statement, which must be considered in any best interests decision. It does not replace a valid advance decision to refuse treatment or a registered LPA, and it does not give anyone authority to make decisions.
How we can help
Our specialist nurses can:
- provide a neutral, supportive space for difficult conversations
- explain clinical terms
- explain the Mental Capacity Act principles your attorneys must follow
- help your attorneys think of useful questions to ask when decisions arise
Frequently asked questions
My attorney is my spouse or child. Won’t they already know what I want?
They may know you very well. But conversations about advanced dementia, a serious brain injury or life-sustaining treatment are very different from everyday preferences, and many families have never had them.
When can my attorneys start making decisions?
Only once the LPA has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, and only when you lack capacity to make that particular decision yourself. While you can decide for yourself, you remain in charge.
Can an attorney refuse life-sustaining treatment?
Only if your registered LPA specifically gives them that authority. Even then, they must act in your best interests and follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005. A valid advance decision you make after the LPA takes priority for the treatments it refuses.
Can we use this service if the LPA is already in place?
Yes. These conversations are valuable at any stage, including after the LPA has been registered.
Take the next step
Give your attorneys more than legal authority. Help them understand what matters to you. Contact us about a joint preparation session.
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