NHS Highland and The Highland Council have launched a new month long campaign encouraging adults across the Highlands to put a Power of Attorney in place before a crisis occurs.
Highland Power of Attorney Month began on 1 June and aims to raise awareness of the importance of having legal arrangements in place that allow trusted individuals to make decisions on someone’s behalf if they lose capacity.
The joint campaign is the first of its kind in the Highlands and comes amid growing concern that many people remain unaware of the benefits of setting up a Power of Attorney.
Research published by the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement found that fewer than one in ten adults across Great Britain have an up to date Power of Attorney in place, while almost half have never considered arranging one.
In Scotland, anyone aged 16 or over can create a Power of Attorney under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.
The legal document allows individuals to appoint someone they trust to make decisions about finances, property, health or welfare if they become unable to do so themselves.
Without a Power of Attorney in place, families can face significant legal delays, additional costs and emotional distress when important decisions need to be made.
Chair of Highland Council’s Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor David Fraser, said:
“Planning ahead can feel daunting, but putting a Power of Attorney in place is one of the most practical and caring decisions any of us can make.
“It gives you confidence that, should the unexpected happen, someone you trust will be able to make decisions in your best interests.
“I would encourage everyone, whatever your age, to take a moment this June to think about your own arrangements and to have conversations with family members.
“Taking action now can provide real peace of mind for you and reassurance for those closest to you.”
Health and social care leaders say the consequences of not having a Power of Attorney can often be seen during times of illness or emergency.
Arlene Johnstone, Chief Officer of the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“Every week across Highland, health and social care teams see first hand what can happen when Power of Attorney is not in place.
“Hospital discharges are delayed, families are left in difficult and sometimes impossible situations, and the people we are caring for cannot always have their wishes respected as fully as we would want.
“This campaign is our opportunity to help prevent that, and to reach people before a crisis happens rather than after.”
The campaign also highlights the importance of Power of Attorney for unpaid carers, many of whom already help manage finances and daily affairs without formal legal authority.
Throughout June, residents will be encouraged to learn more about the process and consider putting arrangements in place regardless of their age or current health.
Organisers hope the campaign will prompt conversations across families and communities that could provide reassurance and protection for years to come.
Information about Power of Attorney in Scotland, including how to set one up, is available from the Office of the Public Guardian Scotland at www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk and from Citizens Advice Scotland at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland.
Follow the campaign throughout June at #HighlandPOA26 and visit https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/poa for resources and guidance.
