Understanding Lasting Powers of Attorney in Care Settings

Course fee: HCPA Standard Member: Fully funded*
Associate/Network Member: £25+VAT | Non-member: £50+VAT 

1.5 hour course via Virtual Classroom

Delivered in partnership with HCR Law

Audience: Care Managers, Registered Managers and senior care staff working in adult social care settings.

Focus: Lasting Powers of Attorney: what they are, why they matter in care settings, and how care providers can understand and respond to them confidently.

Learning Outcomes
Understand what a Lasting Power of Attorney is and the role it can play in adult social care.
Recognise the difference between a Health and Welfare LPA and a Property and Financial Affairs LPA.
Know what care providers should check when an attorney is involved in a person’s care or financial arrangements.
Understand how LPAs interact with mental capacity, best interests decision-making and care planning.
Identify common risks, misunderstandings and when to seek legal advice or escalate concerns.
Agenda

Welcome & Introductions
What is a Last Power of Attorney?
The two main types of LPA
What care providers need to check
Common scenarios for care managers
Risks, red flags and escalation
Key Takeaways for care providers
Questions and next steps

Discussion Points
Why family members do not automatically have legal authority to make decisions unless the correct authority is in place.
Why a Health and Welfare LPA can only be used when the person lacks mental capacity for the specific decision.
Why a Property and Financial Affairs LPA may be relevant to care fees, personal allowance, purchases and financial administration.
How care providers can evidence that they have checked an attorney’s authority and recorded decision-making clearly.
When to involve the local authority, safeguarding team, Office of the Public Guardian, Court of Protection, or legal advisers.

Questions for Attendees
What should a care provider do if a relative says they have LPA but cannot provide evidence?
How should care teams respond if different family members disagree about a person’s care?
What should be recorded when an attorney contributes to a care plan or best interests decision?
When should concerns about an attorney’s actions be escalated?
How can providers make sure staff understand the limits of an attorney’s authority?

Follow-Up Resources
A one-page LPA checklist / poster for care providers.
A short staff briefing note on LPAs and mental capacity.
A template wording for recording attorney involvement in care planning.
A list of escalation routes where concerns arise.

*Please note: As per our T&C’s, this course carries a fee in the event of non-attendance, non-completion or late cancellation.
Delegates who are late may not be admitted into the training and a cost incurred