As dementia cases continue to rise across the UK, planning ahead is more critical than ever. One of the most important steps families can take is setting up a Power of Attorney (POA) — a legal arrangement that allows someone trusted to make decisions when a person can no longer do so.
In 2025, the UK government continues to refine and simplify the Power of Attorney process to make it more accessible for families supporting loved ones with dementia.
What Is Power of Attorney?
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A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes one or more people (called “attorneys”) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two main types in the UK:
Health and Welfare POA: Covers medical care, daily routines, and living arrangements.
Property and Financial Affairs POA: Covers financial decisions such as paying bills, managing savings, and selling property.
Creating a POA early, while the person still has mental capacity, ensures that their wishes are respected if dementia progresses.
Why Power of Attorney Is Essential for People with Dementia
Dementia gradually affects memory, reasoning, and judgment. Without a Power of Attorney, families often face delays, legal costs, and emotional stress when trying to make urgent decisions.
Having a POA in place provides:
Legal clarity: Ensures only trusted individuals manage personal and financial matters.
Protection against abuse: Reduces risk of financial exploitation.
Continuity of care: Helps maintain stability in care and medical decisions.
Faster access to funds: Avoids lengthy court applications to the Court of Protection.
How to Set Up a Power of Attorney in 2025
In the UK, you can set up a Power of Attorney online through the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) or with a solicitor’s help. The process includes filling in official forms, naming attorneys, and registering the document.
Below is a summary of the key steps:
| Step | Description | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose your attorney(s) | Decide who you trust to make decisions for you — often a spouse, child, or close friend. | Ensures confidence and alignment with your values. |
| 2. Complete the OPG forms | Download or fill in the Lasting Power of Attorney forms online at GOV.UK. | Official documentation ensures legality and recognition. |
| 3. Get the forms signed and witnessed | Sign while you have mental capacity, and include a certificate provider to confirm understanding. | Prevents future legal disputes. |
| 4. Register with the Office of the Public Guardian | Send the forms and registration fee (£82 per form in 2025) to the OPG. | Activates the Power of Attorney for use when needed. |
Practical Example: When Dementia Progresses
Imagine a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s who begins to forget to pay bills or struggles with medical decisions.
If a Property and Financial Affairs POA is in place, their attorney can manage their accounts immediately, ensuring no missed payments. If a Health and Welfare POA is also registered, the same attorney can help decide on care home placement or daily medical needs without delays or court involvement.
New Digital Reforms in 2025
The UK government has introduced digital registration systems for Power of Attorney, reducing wait times from 20 weeks to less than 8 weeks. The online process also includes:
- Secure digital signatures
- Real-time tracking for applicants
- Simplified guidance for dementia-related cases
These reforms make it easier for families to act quickly when memory decline becomes evident.
FAQ – Dementia and Power of Attorney in the UK
1. When should I set up a Power of Attorney if I’m worried about dementia?
As early as possible. It must be created while the person still understands the implications of the document.
2. Can I set up a Power of Attorney without a solicitor?
Yes. You can complete and register forms directly via the official GOV.UK website.
3. How much does it cost to register a Power of Attorney in 2025?
The fee remains £82 per form (Health and Welfare, or Property and Financial Affairs). Fee reductions or exemptions are available for low-income individuals.
4. What happens if there’s no Power of Attorney when dementia advances?
Family members must apply to the Court of Protection, which is a slower and more expensive process.
5. Can attorneys make decisions about care homes or medical treatment?
Yes, but only if the Health and Welfare POA is registered and activated.
Need help finding a care home?
Senior Home Plus offers free personalized guidance to help you find a care facility that suits your health needs, budget, and preferred location in the UK.
Call us at 0203 608 0055 to get expert assistance today.
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