Families across Glasgow are being urged to take proactive steps to protect their loved ones by securing a Power of Attorney (PoA) before it’s too late. This legal safeguard ensures that trusted individuals can make crucial decisions about care, finances, and personal affairs in the event of illness, accidents, or loss of mental capacity.
Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership (GHSCP) is leading the charge, encouraging residents to apply for a Power of Attorney now rather than waiting until a crisis strikes. The process, which can often be overlooked, is essential for ensuring that families are legally prepared to handle unexpected situations.
This week, on Thursday 29 September, the UK marks national Power of Attorney Day, and Glasgow’s HSCP is using the occasion to raise awareness about the importance of PoAs. The initiative aims to provide peace of mind to individuals and their families by highlighting the legal and emotional benefits of having these arrangements in place.
Councillor Chris Cunningham, Glasgow’s Convener for Health, Care and Caring and Older People, explained: “Power of Attorney is something everyone should have in place but sadly do not. For many people in Glasgow, they realise this only when it’s too late and end up facing a lengthy court process to be able to make decisions on behalf of their loved ones.”
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants a nominated person—often a family member or close friend—the authority to act or make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to manage your own affairs. This could include decisions about healthcare, living arrangements, or financial matters. Without a PoA, families often face significant hurdles, including the need to apply for guardianship through the courts, a process that can be both time-consuming and emotionally draining.
Glasgow is one of 29 Health and Social Care Partnerships across Scotland actively promoting the importance of PoAs. The campaign underscores the need for early planning to avoid the stress and legal complications that can arise when families are unprepared.
Councillor Cunningham added: “PoA allows people to safeguard their future, should they lose the capacity to make decisions for themselves. It can be frustrating for health professionals who witness the devastation not having one can cause. People wrongly assume their next of kin can make decisions on their behalf if they are diagnosed with dementia or have an accident which leaves them unable to make their own decisions. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Legally, you must have a Power of Attorney, and without it, you may have to go to court to request guardianship, which can be a long and stressful process at a time when emotions are already running high.”
For those unfamiliar with the process, applying for a PoA involves consulting a solicitor or using online resources to complete the necessary legal documentation. The My Power of Attorney website offers a straightforward guide to help individuals understand the steps involved. Additionally, some people may be eligible for free support through the Glasgow Advice and Information Network (GAIN) helpline on 0808 801 1011.
Taking the time to set up a Power of Attorney is a small but vital step that can make a world of difference for families during challenging times. By acting now, individuals can ensure their wishes are respected and their loved ones are spared unnecessary stress and legal complications.
