How to use an LPA to confirm your Covid-19 vaccine wishes
The Covid Vaccine
If you become too unwell to decide whether you should have the Covid vaccine, your family may disagree whether it is the best option for you.
In a Lasting Power of Attorney, you can appoint one or more attorneys to make this decision for you and they will have the ultimate decision making power.
You can also direct your attorneys as to your preference regarding the vaccine.
Two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney
There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), “Property & Financial Affairs” and “Health & Welfare”. The Property & Financial Affairs LPA allows your attorneys to deal with your bank accounts, make investments on your behalf, paying your bills and selling your home etc.
1. Health: The Health & Welfare LPA allows your attorneys to authorise medical treatment on your behalf, arrange accommodation for you and decide matters such as your routine and diet.
2. Finances: The Property & Financial Affairs LPA is by far the more common LPA to be enacted, but the Health & Welfare LPA is just as important.
Why Health & Welfare Lasting Powers of Attorney are important now
In these difficult times, it is easy to see how a Health & Welfare LPA could be beneficial. Health & Welfare LPAs can only be used if you are too ill to make your own decisions in relation to your health, but below are some good examples of when it could be used:
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For your attorney to decide medical treatment you may need (in particular, the Covid-19 vaccine);
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For your attorney to decide the most appropriate accommodation during the lockdowns;
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For your attorney to authorise (or refuse) life sustaining treatment in the event of a life threatening condition.
Phoebe Tranter, Associate Solicitor
Probate, Wills and LPA specialist
Lawson-West Solicitors, Leicester
ptranter@lawson-west.co.uk
"If you have any questions about Lasting Powers of Attorney, or anything else relating to wills, trusts or probate, please call our offices on 0116 212 1000 to speak to one of our specialist team. We have offices in Leicester, Wigston and Market Harborough, and also offer home visits."
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