GPs & Practice Managers: why Lasting Powers of Attorney Matter to your Patients and Your Practice.
Planning ahead when early signs appear
GPs are often the first professionals to notice cognitive change or vulnerability. Of course, this can happen at any time through accident, stroke etc.
Raising LPAs is not a medical judgement on capacity — it is signposting patients to consider future planning while options still remain. LPAs are a common-sense precaution, that is all.
Where no legal authority exists, practices are often drawn into family dispute, repeated requests for (confidential) information which the family may well need, but not be entitled to. Lasting Powers of Attorney clarify these matters for you.
Why early matters
Once mental capacity is lost, Lasting Powers of Attorney can no longer be made. Families then face delay, cost, and the probability of the Court of Protection running the life of their loved one. Sometimes the Court of Protection will allow family members to be appointed as Deputies if they are savvy and united, if not, through a professional Deputy (typically a solicitor) or very often on Health and Welfare matters, the Court will often insist on taking all decisions.
In all cases where a Deputyship arises, there are significant costs and reporting requirements.
When to raise LPAs
In practice, everyone over 18 should ideally have the benefit both types of LPA. No one knows what tomorrow holds, and it takes time to make and register LPAs.
LPAs are worth mentioning where:
• memory concerns are emerging
• diagnoses may affect capacity
• patients rely heavily on family support.
Other signs: deterioration in appearance, issues with getting words out, substantial swings in behaviour, mood changes, erratic behaviour, paranoia (sometimes justified!)
PDF LPA explanation Referral form
We are based in Polegate and personally cover Eastbourne, Polegate, Hailsham and surrounding areas. However, we know competent professionals in most of the UK – just ask.