First Power of Attorney Day launched to tackle low public awareness

A power of attorney is a legal document that enables someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Despite its importance, very few people consider it a priority, even as they get older. Most people assume those close to us will automatically be allowed to make decisions on our behalf if we can’t but often, this doesn’t automatically happen. The Power of Attorney Day aims to raise awareness of this important legal tool and the role it can play in supporting individuals and families during difficult times.

Setting up a power of attorney can be especially important for Northern Ireland’s 220,000 unpaid carers who support someone who is older, seriously unwell or disabled, offering protection when someone loses capacity, to help ensure their personal preferences and choices are respected.

In Northern Ireland, a Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney allows an individual to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf. Anyone aged 18 or over can set this up, but it must be done while they still have mental capacity to make their own decisions.

Barbara Morrow is a carer for her mum, 94 years old, who has dementia said: “As a carer who has been through the process of using an enduring power of attorney I can’t stress how important it is to have the difficult conversations about finances early and an enduring power of attorney in place.

“Taking financial planning seriously future proofs and secures the wishes of loved ones, their care and finances and makes the job of being an attorney easier”.

Joleen Cunningham, public affairs manager of Carers NI said: “Carers in NI have told us they want more support with planning for the future. They are unsure about what steps they should take and what provisions they can put in place to ensure peace of mind for their future and that of their cared for person.

“Our first ever Power of Attorney Day will help carers by starting the conversation, raising awareness of enduring power of attorney in NI and how it provides protection for the future.”

As part of the day Carers NI are holding a special roadshow Planning for What Matters which will include a session delivered by the Law Society of NI on Power of Attorney and wills at the St Patrick’s Centre, Downpatrick at 11am-1pm

The Law Society of NI said: “The society is pleased to have been involved in the first Power of Attorney Awareness day. Using a solicitor to make an Enduring Power of Attorney and when making a will, is the best way to protect a person’s interest and provide peace of mind both for a person and their carer.”

Director of corporate affairs and brand at Standard Life, and executive sponsor of the company’s carers network, Claire Hawkins, said: “Our research shows that too many people are unprepared for life events that could leave them vulnerable.

“Enduring Power of Attorney isn’t just a legal formality - it’s a vital safeguard setting out who can manage your finances in the event of something happening to you. Without it, loved ones may face lengthy legal processes to gain authority, often at a time of crisis, which can delay access to essential funds and support.

“Power of Attorney Day will help to educate the public and dispel myths so that people can better understand why and how to put an Enduring Power of Attorney in place before they need to use one.”

To find out more about this week’s Power of Attorney Day, visit: https://powerofattorneyday.org.uk/

For more information about making a Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney, visit: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/managing-your-affairs-and-enduring-power-attorney#toc-0