Why I Set Up a Lasting Power of Attorney for My Dad (and Why You Should Too)

22nd May 2025

Updated: Monday 19th January 2026

Why I Set Up a Lasting Power of Attorney for My Dad (and Why You Should Too) is not a headline I ever expected to write. Like many families, we assumed we would deal with legal paperwork if and when we needed to. A dementia diagnosis changed that assumption overnight and taught us 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, life became uncertain very quickly. At the time, I was working full time as a primary school teacher, raising two young children and supporting my parents. Shortly afterwards, my mum died unexpectedly, leaving my dad unable to cope on his own.

Like many daughters, I stepped in. For months I tried to balance work, childcare and caring responsibilities. Eventually, I had to leave my job to care for my dad full time. We moved into his house, my children changed schools, and they were even recognised as young carers. The emotional and practical strain was immense.

Why was setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney so important?

Doctors and memory nurses gave us clear advice early on: put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place while my dad still had mental capacity. At the time, we did not fully understand what an LPA involved, but we quickly learned that without one, even close family members have no automatic legal authority.

An LPA meant my dad could formally choose who would make decisions for him in the future. It protected his wishes and gave us the ability to act when he no longer could.

What made the LPA process difficult during a crisis?

Trying to arrange an LPA while grieving and caring was incredibly stressful. Legal language felt overwhelming, signatures had to be completed in the correct order and paperwork errors caused delays. Mistakes made by a solicitor meant documents had to be corrected, costing valuable time we did not have.

Looking back, it was clear that timing mattered. Doing this earlier would have allowed my dad to express more detailed wishes about his care and medical treatment, which would have eased difficult decisions later.

How does an LPA help families once capacity is lost?

Now that my dad is living in a care home, the LPA is essential. I regularly need it when dealing with banks, social workers and healthcare professionals. It gives me the legal authority to speak on his behalf and the confidence to challenge decisions if something does not feel right.

Without an LPA, families often face delays, disputes or the need to apply to the Court of Protection. Having the document in place removed uncertainty at a time when emotions were already high.

Why should families act sooner rather than later?

An LPA is not just a legal document. It is a safeguard for the whole family. It reduces conflict, clarifies roles and ensures the person you love remains at the centre of decisions about their life.

Our experience also showed how fortunate we were to be united as a family. Not everyone is. When there is no plan, disagreements can quickly arise and relationships can suffer.

How experience led to helping others plan ahead

Seeing first hand how complex and stressful the process could be inspired my brother to create Power of Attorney Online. The aim was simple: make LPAs clearer, faster and more affordable, so families can get protection in place before a crisis hits.

My message is straightforward. Do not wait for a diagnosis or an emergency. Set up a Lasting Power of Attorney early. It is one decision you are very unlikely to regret.