If you are unable to manage your own affairs because of illness, then someone will need to manage them for you.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a simple and effective way of ensuring that family, friends or a professional advisor can take key decisions on your behalf.
If you decide not to put in place an LPA then, in the event of your incapacity, an application may need to be made to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to appoint someone to act on your behalf, and this may not be who you would have picked if able to make the choice yourself.
LPAs can be put in place relating to your finances, or your health and welfare, or both. Once in place and registered, they will allow your Attorney to step in as soon as help is needed. Likewise, if you have an old-style Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), you may need to make an application to register the power.