With Power of Attorney – the Future is in your hands
Start the Conversation’ is a campaign funded by the Scottish Government to raise awareness of the importance of having a Power of Attorney granted to a trusted relative or friend.
The campaign was launched across Tayside in November 2014 and involves a partnership between NHS Tayside, Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross Councils and local law firms.
Following a successful year, adverts for 'Start the Conversation' are set to return to TV screens across Tayside in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of having a Power of Attorney granted to a trusted relative or friend.
TV adverts will be shown at peak times in December 2015 with a message encouraging people to talk to trusted family and friends about establishing a Power of Attorney(POA).
Latest information shows that since the campaign began in 2014 there has been a 10% rise in the number of Tayside POAs registered with the Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland.
Many people are unaware that if they become ill or injured and are unable to make decisions for themselves, no one else can do this on their behalf unless they have legally been given power to do so through a Power of Attorney.
Whatever age you are, it is important to think about and make plans for the future. The first step is to have conversations about your wishes, hopes and fears about how you would like to be cared for if you become ill.
If you are in hospital, a care environment or even your own home, no one can act for you to pay bills, manage your welfare or make key decisions unless you have made your plan.
Having a Power of Attorney in place can ensure that your wishes are carried out quickly without prolonged legal negotiations. Your next of kin is powerless without Power of Attorney.
Prepare for the future and act now.
The campaign has a dedicated website, www.mypowerofattorney.org.uk/ which provides valuable help and information, including costs involved in setting up a POA and how to check you are eligible for Legal Aid.
For further information download the With Power of Attorney , the Future is in your hands booklet. Hard copies of this booklet can be obtained by calling 01382 425500.