Power of Attorney worth thinking about even if you’re fit and healthy

Being an attorney sounds like an awfully important job, judging by the way they are portrayed in slick US legal dramas.

The word conjures images of a silver-tongued lawyer, played by Matthew McConaughey, objecting to things or shouting about how people can’t handle the truth.

But appointing someone to have Power of Attorney over your affairs here in Scotland won’t involve much Matthew McConaughey.

It’s something I’m increasingly mentioning to my patients, and is definitely worth thinking about, whatever age you are.

Essentially, the Power of Attorney lets you plan who you want to make decisions for you in the future, should you become incapable of making those decisions yourself.

These attorneys can look after your money and your property, or your health and personal welfare, or both of these things if you like.

From speaking to patients, I’ve gathered that most people think their spouse or family will be able to take control of their financial affairs if they’re in hospital and can’t do it themselves.

But unless it’s a joint account, even a spouse needs to go to court to get the legal authority if there is no Power of Attorney.

It’s a good idea for things like money, but of course I’m more interested in the health care side of things.

If you’re in the early stages of a condition which may mean you’ll need someone to make decisions for you, such as dementia, it should probably be considered.

But even if you aren’t, it remains something for you to think about. Any of us could be in a traffic accident tomorrow, or experience a stroke.

You could choose a family member or a friend to do it, or even your solicitor, although they may charge you for the privilege.

Many people choose their adult children or spouse, although one woman told me she was going to appoint her sister rather than her husband, as she wasn’t convinced he would respect her vegan diet if she became incapable of feeding herself.

The idea is to have someone who will speak on your behalf and then make the decisions you’d want made if the time comes when you need them to.

Have a look at their website, publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk, for more information.