A lasting power of attorney (LPA) allows an individual to give someone that they trust (e.g. family member) the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity in the future.
There are two types of lasting power of attorney – “property and affairs” and “personal welfare”. By setting up a lasting power of attorney you can therefore appoint one or more people of your choosing (the attorneys) to deal with your financial affairs, your personal welfare, or both. This can include:
giving your attorneys access to your bank accounts
paying your bills
dealing with your medical care
selling your property if required
generally handling your affairs
Further information on LPAs can be found here.