Adults across the Highlands are being encouraged to consider putting a Power of Attorney in place as part of Highland Power of Attorney Month, a campaign supported by NHS Highland, The Highland Council and local legal firms.

McIntyre & Co, based in Fort William, is supporting the initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of making arrangements before they are needed.

A Power of Attorney allows someone to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf should they become unable to do so themselves.

These decisions can cover financial matters, health care and personal welfare, helping ensure an individual’s wishes can continue to be respected if illness, injury or other circumstances affect their ability to make decisions.

One of the most common misconceptions is that a spouse, partner or family member automatically has the authority to manage a person’s affairs if they become incapacitated.

In reality, that is often not the case.

Without a Power of Attorney in place, families can find themselves facing a more complicated legal process to obtain authority to act on behalf of a loved one.

Stephen Kennedy, Partner at McIntyre & Co, said:

“Many people assume that Powers of Attorney are only relevant for older people, but they are important for adults of all ages.

“Illness, injury or unexpected changes in circumstances can affect anyone.

“Having a Power of Attorney in place provides peace of mind, both for you and for your loved ones.

“We are delighted to support NHS Highland’s campaign and encourage people to consider putting these arrangements in place before they are needed.”

Solicitors involved in the campaign are encouraging people not to delay making arrangements until a crisis occurs.

Once someone loses the capacity to grant a Power of Attorney, families may instead need to apply to the Sheriff Court for a Guardianship Order, a process that can be more time consuming, complex and costly.

For many families, planning ahead can help avoid unnecessary stress during what may already be a difficult period.

McIntyre & Co says its solicitors are available to discuss individual circumstances and explain the options available in clear and straightforward terms.

The firm can also arrange meetings in clients’ homes, hospitals or care settings where required.

As Highland Power of Attorney Month continues, organisers hope more people will take the opportunity to consider whether they have the right arrangements in place, providing reassurance for themselves and those closest to them should the unexpected happen.