Knowledge is power – Make sure your wishes come true
It is very important to be prepared for the unexpected at different stages of life. Even if you are young and healthy, injury or incapacitation can happen and can be far more complex to juggle than death. Cheery thought! But, you only need to put a few things in place to make sure you are covered whatever happens and make sure your wishes still come true.
Lasting Power of Attorney
What is it – a lasting power of attorney gives legal rights to a person of your choice so they can make decisions on your behalf if you are not able to.
There are two types :
1. Health and care
2. Finance and property
You can choose the level of rights and access they have e.g. for financial you may only give them access to your bank account to make payments. For health you may want a specific type of care to be carried out if you are in hospital.
Why is this helpful? If you are incapacitated, so can’t make any decisions yourself, your family will know what to do
Who needs it – everyone should consider putting LPAs in place, just in case. If you do a high risk job or hobby it’s even more important.
When – now and always. Especially before deployment or extended absence.
How – you can DIY it – via the Gov website for £82 per LPA per person (so £164 for both LPAs). If you feel more comfortable with some help, make sure you go to a reputable company that doesn’t charge over the odds.
My Ark can help to point you in the right direction.
What is a Living Will (Advance Care Directive) ?
A living Will allows you to make decisions before you are no longer able to about what medical care you might want to refuse in the future. This could include a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) order, for example. There is more info on the NHS website.
Organ donation
In the UK everyone is automatically “opted-in” to be an organ donor, unless you specifically say you don’t want to be. However, even if you want to donate your organs, your next of kin or lasting power of attorney (health) makes the final decision and can overrule your wishes. Telling your loved one what your want and why can help them make a really difficult decision at the worst of times.