Why does a Lasting Power of Attorney matter?
Why a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is so important for you and your family...
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Planning ahead can make a world of difference. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you ever become unable to do so.
At Sirius Homecare, we’re often asked what an LPA is and why it matters. While we don’t offer legal or financial advice, we believe everyone should understand the importance of having one in place — especially when planning for future care and wellbeing.
This guide explains what an LPA is, the different types available, and where to find official government guidance to make one online.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). It gives a trusted person — known as your attorney - the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to do so yourself due to illness, accident or loss of mental capacity.
There are two types of LPA in England and Wales:
Health and Welfare LPA – covers decisions about your health, care, and daily routines, such as:
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Where you live and who provides your care
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Your medical treatment and end-of-life wishes
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Day-to-day wellbeing and personal welfare decisions
Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covers decisions about money and property, such as:
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Managing bank accounts and paying bills
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Collecting benefits or pensions
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Selling or maintaining your home
You can make one or both types, depending on your circumstances.
You don’t have to be unwell or elderly to make an LPA - in fact, it’s best to do it while you’re fit, well, and able to make your own decisions.
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Why an LPA matters
Without an LPA in place, no one - not even your spouse or family - automatically has the legal right to make decisions for you if you lose capacity.
If this happens, your loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection, which can be expensive and take several months. During that time, bills may go unpaid or important care decisions delayed.
Having an LPA means:
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You stay in control – you choose who makes decisions for you
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You avoid uncertainty – your wishes are clear and legally recognised
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Your family is protected – they won’t have to face lengthy legal processes
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Health and care decisions are joined-up – helping carers and professionals follow your preferences
When to set up an LPA
The best time to set up an LPA is now, while you still have full mental capacity. You can only create one while you understand what it means - once capacity is lost, it’s too late.
It’s a sensible step for:
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Anyone planning for the future
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People living with long-term or progressive conditions
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Couples or family members who want peace of mind
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Anyone who owns property or manages finances independently
How to make a Lasting Power of Attorney
You can make an LPA yourself online or using official paper forms. The process is straightforward and clearly explained on the UK Government website.
Official sources:
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Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney (GOV.UK)
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Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
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Mental Capacity Act guidance (NHS)
The Government website provides step-by-step instructions and forms, including how to:
If you prefer, you can also ask a solicitor or legal adviser to help you complete the process, especially if your situation is complex.
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Choose your attorney(s)
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Complete and sign your LPA
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Register it with the Office of the Public Guardian
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Pay the registration fee (currently £82 per LPA, with fee reductions available for low income)
LPAs and care planning
When someone needs care - whether at home, in hospital or in a care setting - having an LPA in place ensures that decisions are made in line with their wishes and by someone who knows them best.
At Sirius Homecare, we see every day how helpful it is when families have LPAs in place. It allows care providers, doctors and family members to work together with clarity and respect for the person’s choices.
While we cannot prepare or witness LPAs, our team can explain how they work in practice and signpost you to official resources.
Key takeaways
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A Lasting Power of Attorney protects your rights and gives peace of mind
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There are two types: Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs
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You must make one while you still have mental capacity.
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You can set up and register an LPA easily yourself on GOV.UK
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It helps families make care decisions confidently and legally
Speak to our friendly team
At Sirius Homecare, we’re always happy to discuss how an LPA fits into future care planning. While we don’t offer legal advice, we can guide you to official sources and explain how having an LPA helps ensure your care preferences are respected.
We believe good care starts with good planning - and an LPA is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your wishes and your future.
Call us on 01482 655002, email us at info@siriushomecare.co.uk or use our online form by clicking below. Alternatively, you can visit www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney to learn more or begin your application online.