Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney

What is a Health & Welfare LPA?

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) for health and welfare allows you to nominate an individual to make decisions on your behalf, if you are unable or do not have the mental capacity to make decisions yourself. It is one of the two types of LPAs available in the UK, the other being a property & financial LPA.

As legal experts with many years’ experience, we can offer you advice and support when it comes to making a health and welfare LPA. Based in Norwich, we offer home visits and can travel across Norfolk to give you constructive, helpful legal advice.

Who can be a Health & Welfare attorney?

To be appointed as a health and welfare attorney, the individual must be over 18 and is usually a close friend or family member. There are only some circumstances when an attorney is no longer able to act for you, such as if they lose mental capacity or if they decide they do not want to act for you.

What decisions can an attorney make?

A health and welfare attorney can make decisions on:

• Day-to-day matters and routine, including washing, hygiene and nutrition
• Medical care and lifesaving treatment
• Where the individual lives, including moving into residential care
• Support from social services

When can a Health and Welfare LPA be used?

A health and welfare LPA can only be used once it’s been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian and the donor has lost mental capacity.  You or attorneys can apply to register A health and welfare LPA (if the attorneys apply to register it, the donor will be notified and can object if they want to) or we can register in on your behalf with your consent.

You have to pay a fee to register each LPA application unless you receive certain state benefits. If you are on a low income (below £12,000) you only pay half the fee. If you think you may be entitled to a fee reduction or waiver you’ll need to complete the necessary forms which we can arrange on your behalf.

How much is a Health & Welfare LPA?