Power of Attorney (PoA) Day 2024 is Thursday 21 November and we’re encouraging everyone to start the conversation about PoA. 

Having a PoA in place means you can nominate someone you trust to make the important decisions about your future if ill health meant you couldn’t do it for yourself. Not many people know that even if you have a next of kin, you still need a PoA to make sure your wishes are followed if you become incapacitated – it doesn’t automatically fall to your next of kin.

Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Assistant Chief Officer Stephen Fitzpatrick highlighted the importance of having a POA in place, not only to give peace of mind to people and their families, but to avoid unnecessary hospital stays.

Stephen said: “Every month in Glasgow, almost three in ten people delayed in hospital after they’re fit for discharge are having to stay there because they don’t have a PoA in place. This causes distress and delays for them and their loved ones, and it has an impact on the number of beds available for other patients. I’d urge anyone who doesn’t have a POA already to take the first step now so it’s one less thing to worry about if they become ill or incapacitated later.” 

This short information leaflet  can be shared with people you support in your job, to read through in their own time or when you’re talking with them about PoA.  It https://mypowerofattorney.org.uk/in-your-area/glasgow/may also be helpful information for you and your family. The leaflet is based on input and feedback from a range of colleagues and people we support, and we hope you find it useful. 

Find out more about PoA at mypowerofattorney.org.uk where you’ll find some great short videos with all the key facts, as well as information and resources. And you can follow what’s happening on PoA Day on social media at @StartTalkingPoA #poa2024 #mypoa.