A health and welfare lasting power of attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone to make decisions about your health and personal welfare if you become unable to do so yourself. Decisions can include medical treatment, care home arrangements, and day-to-day care needs. It only comes into effect when you lose the capacity to make your own decisions. Having the knowledge that your health and welfare needs are in the hands of family or friends that truly care about you when you are unable to make vitally important decisions makes this the most important type of LPA for many people.
A property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs and property. Decisions can include managing bank accounts, paying bills, collecting benefits or pensions, and buying or selling property. It can be used both when you have mental capacity and when you lack it, depending on your preference.