Trusted protection for life’s unexpected moments

Coordinating advance direction and health LPA

We advised a client on creating both an Advance Direction and a Health & Welfare LPA to ensure their healthcare wishes were clearly documented and respected. We explained the distinct functions of each document and the importance of timing their execution to reflect the client’s intentions. Our guidance also covered practical considerations, such as storage and accessibility, ensuring the right people had the right responsibilities at the right time. This coordinated approach gave the client confidence that their future care decisions would be handled as they wished.

Supporting LPA decisions with compassion and expertise in complex circumstances

When approached to assist a client diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, our team recognised the importance of taking a careful, sensitive approach. Though the client’s condition made communication challenging, it was clear they retained the capacity to make decisions about their future.

We took extra time to ensure they fully understood the implications of making Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), adapting our approach to suit their needs. Our team’s experience in handling emotionally and medically complex cases meant we could provide the reassurance and clarity both the client and their family needed.

Professional advice in such circumstances is not only beneficial, but also essential. The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) can scrutinise how a certificate provider determined capacity. As such, we ensure detailed attendance notes are kept and always meet our clients in person before LPAs are signed. This helps to protect their wishes and provide a clear record of understanding and capacity.

This case highlights our personal, client-focused ethos: in challenging times, empathy and professionalism must go hand in hand.