What are enduring powers of attorney and advanced healthcare directives - and when will I need them?

"Advanced healthcare directives (AHDs) and enduring powers of attorney (EPAs) are legal documents through which you put someone else in charge of your decisions if, as a result of illness or injury, you are unable to make them."

"Planning ahead is usually a good idea, whether it's your weekly grocery shop or booking a summer holiday. A new campaign called You Know Me is aimed at advance planning for a time when we might not be able to make our own decisions."

"If you're worried about protecting your health and wealth, there are legal documents that can put your mind at ease"

Planning ahead can protect health and wealth when you might not be able to make your own decisions. Advanced healthcare directives and enduring powers of attorney are legal documents that allow you to appoint someone else to handle decisions if illness or injury makes you unable to decide. These arrangements provide reassurance by ensuring your preferences and decision-making authority are covered in advance. By putting these documents in place, you can reduce uncertainty for yourself and others during difficult circumstances. Advance planning supports continuity of care and responsible management of personal affairs when capacity is lost.

Read at Independent