Residents Urged To Put Someone In Control In Emergency Situations  

Nottinghamshire residents are being encouraged to appoint a friend or relative to make decisions on their behalf in the event of an accident or illness.

People aged over 18 can set up a lasting power of attorney to give them more control over their affairs if they are unable to make their own decisions on their health and welfare, and their property and financial affairs.

The legal document allows a person to appoint one or more people as their attorney to help make decisions on issues such as moving into a care home, their daily routine, paying bills and selling their home.

Key issues to consider when appointing an attorney include how well the person looks after their own affairs, can they be trusted to make decision in the interests of the affected party and would they be willing to take on the role.

Councillor Stuart Wallace, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, said: “We never know when we might be in an accident or suffer an illness that hinders our ability to make decisions. This is especially true for older people.”

“I would encourage everyone to set up a power of attorney to give you greater control as you decide who makes those decisions if you aren’t able to do so and reduces the extra stress for your loved ones at a very difficult time.”

For more information contact the Office of the Public Guardian on 0300 456 0300, visit www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney or email customerservices@publicguardian.gsi.gov.uk

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