Explains that creating a lasting power of attorney is quick and easy, especially when using the online service. The service guides users through answering the questions and explains the process along the way. The service can be found here: service at www.lastingpowerofattorney.service.gov.uk/home.

Signposts to key information on mental capacity and power of attorney, and to the relevant legislation, including: the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (England and Wales; the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986; and the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.

This report draws on an examination of the literature and consultation with stakeholders directly involved in advance decisions to refuse treatment (ADRT) to identify ways of increasing awareness and uptake of ADRTs in Wales. The report looks at the current legal position in England and Wales, the current update and effectiveness of advance treatment refusals, attitudes to advance decisions and the views of health and social care practitioners. Barriers to the uptake up of ADRTs identified, include: misunderstanding about what is involved; scepticism about whether the patient’s wishes will be respected; and the mistaken belief that an ADRT is unnecessary if someone has already informed family members or healthcare professionals of what they would want. The report recommends actions for the Welsh Government, charities and other organisations to ensure people understand their options for advance care planning and their right to refuse treatment, if they so wish. These include: an increase in public education; correcting official forms that may mislead people about the legal status of their own or a relative’s expressed wishes; facilitating access to well designed ADRT forms/guidance and skilled support; normalising ADRTs (e.g. offering registration when patients sign up with a GP); training relevant practitioners to ensure that they understand what ADRTs are (and when they are valid and applicable), are able to provide appropriate guidance or referral, and can act in accordance with the law concerning them.

Ann explains how simple she found it to make a lasting power of attorney using the new digital service on GOV.UK.

Information covering the MCA, how its assessed, helping people to make their own decisions, best interests, Lasting Powers of Attorney, the Court of Protection, and professionals’ duties under MCA.

UK Government’s publications, guidance and forms relating to lasting power of attorney.

Court of Protection forms including the applications to make decisions on someone’s behalf; to become someone’s deputy; to authorise a deprivation of liberty; and applications relating to powers of attorney.

This factsheet explains how advance decisions and advance statements work,
and what they can and cannot do. It also provides practical advice to help
draft an advance decision.

This resource explains different aspects of planning ahead for people who have dementia (‘advance care planning’). Sections cover: what is an advance statement; why should I consider making an advance decision or advance statement; will the doctor have to follow my advance decision or advance statement; what an advance decision cannot do; how to make an advance decision; frequently asked questions.

This note has been produced to offer guidance to Councils about when the intervention of the Court of Protection may be needed in relation to welfare decisions where a person lacks mental capacity for the decision. Any decision in relation to an application to Court must be informed by the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), the MCA Code of Practice and case law. This is a short summary and overview and not legal advice, which should always be sought in individual situations.

This factsheet explains what advance decisions to refuse treatment (‘living will’) and advance statements are, why individuals might want to prepare one or both of them, requirements for drawing them up, and ways to ensure other people know they exist.

A free tool to support people to draft an advance decision or advance statement online.