Why Power of Attorney matters

Find out more about the inaugural Power of Attorney Day taking place on 22 April 2026.

Power of Attorney Day (22 April 2026) is our UK wide campaign and part of Carers Scotland’s work on identifying some of the practical areas which can make life better for carers – and making life better for carers is our ultimate mission.

This focus on Power of Attorney recognises that it is a practical and tangible way of helping carers and those they care for. It is a way of starting conversations about future wishes, setting these out in advance and can provide clarity in emergencies, overcoming barriers in dealing with professionals and helping avoid stressful decision making at times of crisis.

However, our research with unpaid carers found that, whilst for some, the person they care for has a Power of Attorney in place, many others do not and it’s on the long “to do” list that carers have.

Other carers simply do not know what a Power of Attorney is and/or it what does. There are also myths and misconceptions which stop people from taking action. These include that they are “just for older people” or being “next of kin”.

In particular, it is often a shock to carers to find that, without a Power of Attorney, they have no rights the Scotland to make decisions simply because they are next of kin or spouse of the person they care for.

What is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a legal document that lets you appoint trusted people to make decisions about your property, finances, or health on your behalf. It is used when you cannot manage your own affairs, such as due to illness or injury. It must be created while you still have mental capacity. In Scotland, there are two types, one for finances and one for personal welfare decisions.

Who should have one? Everyone! Whilst our campaign aims started with supporting carers and those they care for to start to think about power of attorney, it really is about all of us. Not only is caring unpredictable but so too is life. We each have a 65% chance of being a carer but across our life, not just in older age, we may have an accident or illness that affects our ability to make decisions. Having a power of attorney can be a powerful safety net at these times.

When should I set one up? The best time to think about a power of attorney is before you need one – while you’re healthy, have capacity, and are not under pressure.

It’s that message and the understanding of Power of Attorneys that we want more people to know about; understand the benefits, start talk to people they trust and ultimately put one in place when they’ve got time not at a time of crisis.

We hope that this campaign will start a conversation in your home, with friends and families, within your organisation and in workplaces across Scotland.

Find out more:

· Power of Attorney Day at: www.powerofattorneyday.org.uk.

· Carers Scotland information on Managing Someone’s Affairs which provides more information including on other ways to support people including Guardianship and being a benefit appointee.

· Information and support available at the Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland.

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