Advanced Decisions vs. Lasting Powers of Attorney (Health & Welfare)
- Penn Chambers
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Advanced Decisions vs. Lasting Powers of Attorney
As life expectancy increases, so does the importance of planning ahead for future healthcare decisions. Living longer does not always mean living in good health, and it’s vital to consider how your wishes will be respected should you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself.
A common area of confusion lies in the difference between Advanced Decisions and Lasting Powers of Attorney (Health & Welfare). Both serve to safeguard your autonomy, but in different ways.
What is an Advanced Decision?
An Advanced Decision (also known as a “living will”) enables you to refuse specific medical treatments in the future, should you lose mental capacity when the treatment is needed.
This can be particularly useful if:
You have strong personal, ethical, or religious beliefs about certain treatments.
You do not have someone suitable or available to act as your Attorney.
You want to set non-negotiable boundaries for your care.
Even if you appoint an Attorney, you might still choose to make an Advanced Decision to ensure that certain treatments are always refused, leaving no room for discretion.
In urgent situations, where an LPA cannot be registered in time due to processing delays, an Advanced Decision can also provide a timely solution.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (Health & Welfare)?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (Health & Welfare) authorises one or more trusted individuals, your Attorneys, to make decisions about your healthcare and personal welfare if you become unable to do so.
It may be the right choice if:
You have people you trust to act in your best interests.
You want your representatives to have flexibility and consider circumstances as they arise.
You prefer someone to advocate on your behalf rather than set rigid instructions in advance.
An LPA gives your Attorneys a wide remit to make decisions in real time, taking into account your values and previously expressed wishes.
Which is Right for You?
Advanced Decision
Best if you want to refuse specific treatments under any circumstances.
Suitable for those seeking a quick and definitive safeguard.
Lasting Power of Attorney (Health & Welfare)
Ideal if you trust others to make nuanced decisions on your behalf.
Offers flexibility and the ability to respond to changing medical situations.
In many cases, people choose to have both in place - giving them both the certainty of an Advanced Decision and the flexibility and support of an LPA.
Need Support?
If you are unsure which option is best for you, or if you need help setting up either document, we are here to help. Please get in touch and we’ll guide you through every step with care and clarity.
0207 183 4595
The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute professional advice and you should take full and comprehensive legal, accountancy or financial advice as appropriate on your individual circumstances by a fully qualified Solicitor, Accountant or Financial Advisor/Mortgage Broker before you embark on any course of action.
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