Advocacy/Power of Attorney
Someone to help you express your views and someone to make decisions on your behalf
Advocacy/Power of Attorney
Some people may find it difficult to express their views and may need an advocate, others may not have the capacity to make decisions and need someone to make decisions on their behalf who has power of attorney.
An advocate can help you express your needs and wishes when there is no one else appropriate to support you.
They can support you to understand and make decisions about the options available to you for your health and social care needs.
To find out about advocacy in Lincolnshire please visit
Someone to speak up for you (advocate) - Social care and support guide - NHS
What is an independent advocate - Gov.uk
Independent mental capacity advocates - GOV.UK
The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 enables people to choose someone to manage their finances and property should they become incapable of doing so, or to make health and welfare decisions on their behalf. This needs to be carefully thought out and the best way to do this is to plan for the future by drawing up a legal agreement known as a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions for you, or act on your behalf, if you’re no longer able to or if you no longer want to make your own decisions. There are two types of Power of Attorney;
- Property and Affairs
- Personal Welfare
You might need someone to make decisions for you or act on your behalf in a temporary situation, for example, if you're in hospital and need help with everyday tasks such as paying bills.
You may need to make longer-term plans if, for example, you have been diagnosed with dementia, and you may lose the mental capacity to make your own decisions in the future.
A lasting power of attorney, or LPA, is helpful for everyone over the age of 18. A partner or close family member cannot make many decisions on your behalf without legal authority. This video shows how to get started.
For a step by step getting started guide visit Where to start - Lasting power of attorney - Your Voice,Your Decision - Gov.uk
Further information can also be found via the Office of the Public Guardian on the Gov.uk web pages.
