Carers UK and Standard Life have joined forces to launch the first ever UK-wide Power of Attorney Day today. 

A power of attorney is a legal document that enables someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Research from Standard Life shows that only 8% of people in Great Britain have an up-to-date document in place, suggesting that many of us know very little about the importance of this.  

Despite its importance, fewer than half of people (46%) consider it a priority, even as they get older. Dorothy Cook, who cared for her husband Melvin for 17 years after he was diagnosed with a rare brain disease, had difficulties getting him discharged to come home after a hospital stay without a power of attorney. She said: “If there’s one thing I regret, it’s not having a power of attorney in place soon enough.”  

Most people assume those close to us will automatically be allowed to make decisions on our behalf if we can’t but often, this doesn’t always happen. Today’s Power of Attorney Day aims to raise awareness of this important legal tool and the role it can play in supporting individuals and families during difficult times. 

Setting up a power of attorney can be especially important for the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers who support someone who is older, seriously unwell or disabled, offering protection when someone loses capacity, to help ensure their personal preferences and choices are respected. 

In England and Wales, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can be set up by anyone over 18 whilst they have mental capacity. There are two common types: 

• Health and Welfare – covering choices and decisions about medical treatment and care and personal preferences about daily living.  

• Property and Financial Affairs- covering everyday money, paying bills, property and investments.  

In Scotland this is called Power of Attorney (PoA) and in Northern Ireland this is called Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA).  

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:  

“None of us knows what might be around the corner. On this first ever UK-wide Power of Attorney Day our message to unpaid carers and those close to them is to take the time to talk about it and put a power of attorney in place before it’s really needed. We know how pressured carers’ time can be, but this practical step can help respect people’s wishes and provide peace of mind, helping to reduce stress and anxiety now and in the future. We’re delighted that hundreds of organisations are backing the day and helping to raise awareness.” 

Director of Corporate Affairs and Brand at Standard Life, and executive sponsor of the company’s carers network, Claire Hawkins, said: “Our research shows that too many people are unprepared for life events that could leave them vulnerable.  

“Power of attorney isn’t just a legal formality - it’s a vital safeguard setting out who can manage your finances in the event of something happening to you. Without it, loved ones may face lengthy legal processes to gain authority, often at a time of crisis, which can delay access to essential funds and support.  

“Power of Attorney Day will help to educate the public and dispel myths so that people can better understand why and how to put a power of attorney in place before they need to use one.” 

To find out more about today’s Power of Attorney Day, visit: https://powerofattorneyday.org.uk/   

Source: Carers UK