How to get Power Of Attorney for my Dad?

22nd May 2025

Updated: Tuesday 31st March 2026

Are you wondering “how to get Power Of Attorney for my Dad?” Within this blog I explain the key reasons why I set up a Lasting Power of Attorney for my Dad (and why you should too). Like many families, we assumed we could just deal with legal paperwork as and when it was needed. My dad’s dementia diagnosis changed that assumption overnight and taught me just how important early planning really is.

What happens when a parent is diagnosed with dementia?

When my dad was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, the uncertainty kicked in very quickly. At the time, my sister was working full time as a primary school teacher, raising two young children and enjoying seeing them grow up with grandparents. Shortly afterwards, mum died unexpectedly, leaving dad unable to cope on his own.

Like any daughter would, my sister stepped in. For the first few months she tried to balance work, childcare and the new role of looking after dad. Eventually, she had to leave her job to care for dad full time. She moved into his house, her children changed schools to be closer to the new house and the kids started an unexpected role as young carers. The emotional and practical strain of all this on my sister was immense.

How did setting up an LPA become so important?

Doctors and memory nurses gave us very clear advice early on: you can only put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place while dad still had mental capacity. At the time, we didn’t fully understand what an LPA involved, but quickly learned that without one, we wouldn’t be involved in a lot of dad’s care.

Getting the LPA in place meant my dad could properly choose who would make decisions for him in the near future when he couldn’t. We felt it protected his wishes and allowed us to give context on what he would’ve wanted.

What can make the LPA process difficult during a crisis?

Registering dad’s LPA while grieving for mum and caring for him was incredibly stressful. All the legal language felt alient, signatures had to be completed in the correct order and paperwork errors at the solicitor we used caused unnecessary delays, which cost us valuable time we didn’t have.

Looking back, a lot of this wouldn’t have been a problem if we’d just done it all earlier.

How did the LPA help us once dad’s capacity was lost?

When it came round to dad moving into a care home, the LPA became absolutely essential. We regularly need edit when dealing with banks, social workers and doctors to speak on his behalf and challenge decisions if something didnt feel right.

Without the LPA, we might have ended up at the Court of Protection, which would’ve been a nightmare. Having it there at least gave us a semblance of certainty at a time when emotions were already running high.

Should families act sooner, rather than later?

It can sometimes seem like LPA is just a legal document, but it’s really a safeguard for the whole family. It really did ensure the people dad loved most, my sister and I, remained at the centre of decisions about his life.

Our experience also showed how fortunate we were to be united as a family. Not everyone is. When there isn’t a plan, disagreements can quickly arise and relationships can suffer, which thankfully wasn’t the case for us.

Has that experience led me to help others plan ahead?

Seeing first hand how complex and stressful the process could be inspired me to create Power of Attorney Online. The aim at the time was simple: make LPAs clearer, faster and more affordable.

My message is straightforward: don’t wait for a diagnosis or an emergency. Set up a LPA early. It’s one decision you are very unlikely to regret.