📝 What to Include in Your Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney

When you create a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), you're taking an important step to protect your future — and your voice — in the event that you lose the ability to make certain decisions for yourself.

But many people are unsure what exactly they should include in this type of LPA. At SHG Law, we help clients create documents that reflect their wishes clearly and compassionately.

Here’s a simple guide to what you should consider including.

🧠 First, What Is a Health and Welfare LPA?

A Health and Welfare LPA lets you appoint someone you trust (your attorney) to make decisions about your:

• Daily care (washing, dressing, eating)

• Medical treatment

• Living arrangements (e.g., care home decisions)

• End-of-life care

  
  

  But it can only be used if you lose mental capacity.

  
  

✅ Key Things to Include in Your LPA

1. Who Will Act as Your Attorney(s)?

Choose people you trust implicitly. You can appoint:

• One person, or

• Multiple people to act jointly (together), jointly and severally (individually or together), or a mix of both.

👉 Think carefully about their ability to act in your best interests, communicate well, and handle pressure.

2. Your Preferences

This is where you can express your wishes and values, even if they’re not legally binding. Examples include:

• “I prefer to remain in my own home for as long as possible.”

• “I would like to be cared for in a vegetarian-friendly environment.”

• “I do not wish to receive life-sustaining treatment if I am in a permanent unconscious state.”

These give your attorneys helpful guidance when making tough decisions.

3. Instructions (Legally Binding)

You can include formal instructions your attorney must follow. These are legally enforceable, so they should be clear and practical.

Examples:

• “My attorney must consult with my children before moving me into residential care.”

• “I do not want to receive CPR in the event of cardiac arrest.”

⚠️ Be careful: legally binding instructions can limit flexibility, so it’s wise to seek advice when drafting these.

4. Life-Sustaining Treatment

One of the most important parts of the Health and Welfare LPA is deciding whether your attorney should have the authority to make decisions about life-sustaining treatment.

You must state clearly whether you:

• ✅ Give your attorney the power to decide, or

• ❌ Want doctors to decide, based on your best interests

This section cannot be left blank.

5. Details About Care Preferences

Think about what really matters to you — and include it:

• Do you prefer traditional medicine or alternative therapies?

• Do you have cultural or religious beliefs that should be respected in care settings?

• Would you want music played in the background, or a specific spiritual advisor present?

  
  

These details may seem small but can make a big difference in how you’re cared for.

👩‍⚖️ Why Getting It Right Matters

Your Health and Welfare LPA gives someone the legal power to make highly personal decisions for you. Being clear and thoughtful in what you include helps ensure:

• Your values are respected

• Your attorney has the guidance they need

• You stay in control of your care, even if you can’t communicate

  
  

💬 How SHG Law Can Help

At SHG Law, we understand how emotional and sensitive these decisions can be. That’s why we offer practical, compassionate advice tailored to your personal situation.

Whether you’re creating your LPA from scratch or want to review an existing one, we’re here to make it simple, supportive, and stress-free.

📞 Ready to protect your future, your way?

Get in touch with our team today at info@shglaw.co.uk or by phone on 01282 914099— let’s get your wishes in writing.