The Role of LPAs in Managing Mental Health Issues

12th November 2025

When it comes to mental health, planning ahead isn’t just wise, it’s empowering. A Power of Attorney to manage your mental health needs (formally known as a Health & Welfare Power of Attorney) gives you the peace of mind that, if you’re ever unable to make decisions about your wellbeing, someone you trust can step in and act in your best interests.

What Is a Health & Welfare UK Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare is a legal document that allows you (the donor) to appoint one or more attorneys to make decisions about your care, treatment, and daily life if you lose mental capacity.

This might include choices about:

• Medical care and treatment plans
• Where you live: for example, moving into supported accommodation
• Your daily routine, such as eating, dressing, and social activities
• Life-sustaining treatment, if you choose to give that authority

Unlike a Property and Financial LPA, a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health only comes into effect once you’ve lost the mental capacity to make decisions yourself. Until then, you stay firmly in control.

Why It Matters for Mental Health

Mental health can fluctuate. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or dementia can affect a person’s ability to make or communicate decisions clearly, sometimes temporarily, sometimes long term.

A Lasting Power of Attorney Welfare arrangement ensures continuity of care. It gives professionals and family members clarity, reduces conflict, and guarantees that your voice (your preferences, values and choices) are still heard, even when you can’t articulate them yourself.

It’s not about giving up control. It’s about futureproofing it.

Supporting Loved Ones Through a Mental Health LPA

For families, an LPA for Health and Welfare can be a lifeline during difficult times. It helps avoid legal delays, care disputes and the emotional strain of “what would they have wanted?” moments.

By setting up a Power of Attorney to manage your mental health needs, you’re providing certainty. Not just for yourself, but for everyone who cares about you. It transforms difficult decisions into guided actions, based on your documented wishes.

How to Set Up a Health & Welfare Power of Attorney

Setting up an LPA is simpler than many people think. You can:

1. Complete your application online through a trusted LPA service like Power of Attorney Online, the Government website or a solicitor.
2. Choose your attorneys: people you fully trust to make decisions for you.
3. Get your document signed and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).

Once registered, your Health & Welfare LPA stands ready to protect your wellbeing and uphold your wishes whenever needed.

Mental health deserves the same level of planning as physical health or financial stability. A Health & Welfare Power of Attorney gives you that reassurance and a way to protect your autonomy, dignity and peace of mind, whatever the future brings.