What is Power of Attorney?
If you are unwell, there may be a time when you are unable to communicate your wishes or make decisions for some reason.
In this situation, have you thought about who you would want to be your spokesperson?
If the person you wish to speak for you has Power of Attorney, they would have more legal right to represent your wishes and views.
Having a Power of Attorney lets you plan what you want your chosen person to do for you in the future, should you become incapable of making decisions about your own affairs. This might be a member of your family or perhaps a close friend.
All the decisions made must be those of most benefit to you.
Types of Power of Attorney
A Continuing Power of Attorney and a Welfare Power of Attorney are written, legal documents giving someone else (your attorney), authority to take these actions or make decisions on your behalf (the granter).
Powers relating to your financial or property affairs are known as “continuing powers” and may be given with the intention of taking effect immediately and continuing if you lose capacity to make decisions for yourself.
What is Anticipatory Care Planning?
Anticipatory Care Planning (ACP) is a “thinking ahead” approach that requires health and care practitioners to work with people and their carers to ensure that the right thing is done at the right time by the right person with the right outcome.
What has been happening lately with Anticipatory Care Planning
A National Action Plan for Anticipatory Care Planning ensures that the work’s profile is raised with the public and practitioners. The importance of recognising the needs of carers and supporting the legislation outlined in the Carers Act is also prioritised. This links to the Chief Medical Officer’s “Realistic Medicine” approach and is prioritised through the integration of health and social care.
What is an Anticipatory Care Plan
An Anticipatory Care Plan is a record that should be developed over time through conversations, collaborative working and shared decision-making between people and their practitioners.
The plan should reflect:
- a summary of the “thinking ahead” discussions between the person, those close to them and health and care professionals supporting them
- a record of the person’s personal goals, preferences, views and concerns
- a record of the preferred actions, interventions and responses that care providers should make following deterioration in health or a crisis in the person’s care or support, and
- reviewed and updated information as the person’s condition or needs change and different things take priority.
An Anticipatory Care Plan can be recorded using the My Anticipatory Care Plan document or the My Anticipatory Care Plan “Let’s think ahead” App.
Read our Power of Attorney booklet
Read our Power of Attorney booklet
Read our Power of Attorney booklet
Scotland-wide Resources
Alzheimer Scotland provides a wide range of specialist services for people with dementia and their carers. We offer personalised support services, community activities, information and advice, at every stage of the dementia journey.
www.alzscot.org
Legal aid is help towards the costs of legal advice and representation, for those who qualify. It is designed to help individuals on low and modest incomes gain access to the legal system.
Find out more at www.slab.org.uk
The Office of the Public Guardian supports and advises those assisting someone with mental incapacity. They can be contacted on 01324 678300. Their website offers a lot of helpful information.
A solicitor can help you put Power of Attorney in place. You can find a solicitor by contacting the Law Society of Scotland at https://www.lawscot.org.uk/
Solicitors for Older People Scotland (SOPS) is a group of solicitors dedicated to providing legal services to older and vulnerable people in a caring way. SOPS members are committed to providing Power of Attorney under the Legal Aid scheme to clients who qualify.
Find out more at www.sops.org.uk
