#14 What can happen if you don’t have an LPA in place & a story of systematic failure.

In this episode I talk with the lady of a daughter with Alzheimer’s who didn’t have an LPA in place. The episode demonstrates multiple systemic failures and a lack of professional understanding about a Lasting Power of Attorney.

Key messages from guest

• Why conversations and planning should start early.

• Healthcare professionals demonstrated a lack of knowledge and understanding of Enduring Power of Attorney and Lasting Power Attorney.

• How frustrating it can be not to have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place.

• Without a Lasting Power of Attorney you have no legal status to speak for your loved one.

• “Authorised next of kin” is not a legally recognised term, it is the first point of contact. 

• The apparent lack of knowledge of Lasting Power of Attorney from all levels of healthcare teams.

• The inextricable link between health and social care.

• Unless you have a nominated attorney a next of kin has no legal rights for decision making.

• The professional responsibility of organisations to educate.

• Have conversations at the earliest possible stage, don’t leave it until it is too late.
  

Resource

• Find out more about Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) Enduring Power of Attorney 

• Only EPAs made and signed before October 1, 2007 can still be used. After that date donors had to make a lasting power of attorney (LPA) instead.

• Reflecting on Re MW and Advance Planning: Legal frameworks and why they matter 

• Read my blog Checking the validity of an LPA part 1 

• Read my blog Checking the validity of an LPA part 2 

• Information of electronic checking of an LPA

• See an example of a  registered LPA 

• Find out more about the Mental Capacity Act 2005 

• Find out more about the Lasting power of attorney your voice, your decision by the Office of the Public Guardian

Find out more about my Bespoke Consultancy

• Service analysis for teams seeking to improve EoLC or prepare for CQC

• End of Life Care Education

• Lasting Power of Attorney Consultancy

• Talks and presentations

If you’d like to find out more about my work contact me.

What one thing will you do?

It would be great to share what resonated with you from this episode, what is the one thing you will do differently? Head to Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn to continue these important conversations.

Thanks to all my guests for working with me to share their knowledge, experience and stories about Advance Care Planning. I hope you enjoyed listening and have insights to take away; I love hearing your reflections on the series and look forward to reviews on Spotify where you can also subscribe to the series.

Clare

Important Conversations about Important Conversations.

Podcast edited by Martin Whiskin.