What is a Health and Welfare LPA?

22nd September 2025

Updated: Friday 9th January 2026

What is a Health and Welfare LPA? A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions about your health, care and daily life if you lose mental capacity.

Unlike a Will, which only applies after death, this type of LPA protects you while you are alive. It ensures your wishes are followed if you become unable to communicate or make decisions due to illness, injury or age related conditions.

What decisions does a Health and Welfare LPA cover?

A Health and Welfare LPA gives your appointed attorney the authority to make important personal decisions on your behalf. These can include decisions about medical treatment, care arrangements and day to day wellbeing.

Common examples include consenting to or refusing medical treatment, deciding where you live, choosing care providers and making decisions about daily routines such as meals and personal care. You can also choose whether your attorney has the authority to make decisions about life sustaining treatment.

You can include preferences and instructions to guide your attorney, helping them act in line with your values and beliefs.

When can a Health and Welfare LPA be used?

A Health and Welfare LPA can only be used once you have lost mental capacity to make the relevant decision yourself. While you still have capacity, you remain in full control of your healthcare and lifestyle choices.

This safeguard ensures your independence is respected while giving protection for the future if it is ever needed.

Who can make a Health and Welfare LPA?

Anyone aged 18 or over with mental capacity can make a Health and Welfare LPA. You do not need to be unwell or elderly. Many people set one up simply to be prepared.

You can appoint one or more attorneys, such as a partner, adult child, close friend or family member. It is important to choose someone you trust to act in your best interests and communicate confidently with healthcare professionals.

Why is a Health and Welfare LPA so important?

Without a Health and Welfare LPA, your family does not automatically have the legal right to make decisions about your care. Doctors and social services will act in your best interests, but they may not know your personal wishes or priorities.

In some cases, disputes can arise between loved ones or decisions may be delayed. Having an LPA in place avoids uncertainty and gives clarity at what can be a very difficult time.

Do you also need a Property and Financial Affairs LPA?

A Health and Welfare LPA only covers care and medical decisions. It does not allow anyone to manage your money, pay bills or deal with property.

Many people choose to set up both types of LPA together. This provides complete protection, covering both personal welfare and financial matters.

How do you set up a Health and Welfare LPA?

You complete the application using a service like Power of Attorney Online, sign it with a witness and have a certificate provider confirm that you understand the document. It must then be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used.

Using a guided online service can help reduce errors and ensure the application is completed correctly.

Why act now?

A Health and Welfare LPA gives you a voice if you cannot speak for yourself. It protects your dignity, your choices and your peace of mind.

Putting one in place now ensures the people you trust can support you in the way you would want, whatever the future holds.