What Is a Health & Welfare LPA?

22nd September 2025

When it comes to planning for the future, many people think about writing a Will but forget about something just as important: a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This legal document ensures your wishes about health, care, and daily living are respected if you ever lose the ability to make decisions yourself.

What Does a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney Cover?

A Health & Welfare LPA gives the person you choose (known as your “attorney”) the legal power to make decisions about your care if you can’t. This includes:

• Medical POA treatment decisions – choosing or refusing treatments on your behalf.
• Where you live – whether you stay at home or move into care.
• Daily care choices – such as meals, clothing, and routines.
• Life-sustaining treatment – deciding if you should receive treatments that could prolong your life.

Without this document in place, doctors and social services may make these choices for you, even if their decisions don’t reflect what you would have wanted.

Who Can Make a Health & Welfare LPA?

Anyone over the age of 18 with mental capacity can set up a Health & Welfare LPA. You don’t need to be elderly or unwell, it’s about being prepared with guidance if you need it. Illnesses, accidents or unexpected events can happen at any age, so having a plan in place gives you control and peace of mind.

Your attorney should be someone you trust completely, whether that’s a partner, close friend or family member.

Why Is a Health & Welfare LPA So Important?

Without a Health & Welfare LPA:

• Your family won’t automatically have the right to decide on your care.
• Vital decisions could fall to doctors, social workers or even the courts.
• Loved ones may face stress, conflict or delays when trying to support you.

By setting up this LPA, you keep the power to choose who makes those decisions and ensure your personal wishes are respected.

Do You Need Both Types of UK Power of Attorney?

A Health & Welfare LPA is just one half of the protection available. The other is a Property & Financial Affairs LPA, which covers money, bills, property, and investments.

Together, they provide complete security, covering both your finances and your health. Many people choose to set up both at the same time for full peace of mind.

How to Set Up a Health & Welfare LPA Easily

The process doesn’t need to be complicated. You can set up your Health & Welfare LPA online with expert guidance to avoid mistakes. Applications are checked for accuracy, helping you avoid costly rejections and delays.

Taking action today means your loved ones won’t face uncertainty tomorrow.

✅ Final takeaway: A Health & Welfare LPA isn’t just paperwork, it’s your voice in future healthcare decisions. By setting one up now, you protect your dignity, independence and peace of mind.

👉 Ready to safeguard your future? Start your Health & Welfare LPA with Power of Attorney Online today.