Simpler Lasting Power of Attorney forms released

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has now issued new forms to be completed to nominate a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). The new forms, in force from 1 October 2009, will come as a relief to many who have been put off nominating a LPA because of the length and complexity of the old forms. The new documents were created using input from a number of organisations including Solicitors for the Elderly, the Law Society, Age Concern and the Mental Health Foundation. Public Guardian Martin John officially launched the forms and explained the important of appointing a LPA sooner rather than later: ‘Should you lose mental capacity, it is important to know that someone you trust will be making the important decisions about your health, welfare and finances. The new and improved Lasting Power of Attorney forms make it easier than ever to achieve the peace of mind that comes with knowing future decisions will be taken in accordance with your wishes.’ In the UK, over two million people lack the capacity to make their own decisions due to mental health conditions such as dementia. Charities campaigning for the rights of the elderly and those with mental health conditions have welcomed the introduction of the new forms, although Neil Hunt of the Alzheimer’s Society also commented that more needs to be done under the Mental Capacity Act to ‘ensure people are aware of their rights.’ The new forms can be downloaded from the OPG’s website.

For more information about LPAs and other ways that decisions are made for people who lack capacity, please read Cheselden’s Factsheet 10: ‘Acting on behalf of a friend or relative.’