A Power of Attorney allows someone to make decisions on your behalf, should there come a time when can’t do so yourself due to mental incapacity. This sort of Power of Attorney is referred to as a Lasting Power of Attorney and usually cover:
Property and financial affairs — which gives the attorney the authority to make decisions about your financial affairs. They can do this even while you have mental capacity.
Health and welfare — which gives the attorney the authority to make decisions about your personal welfare and healthcare.
A power of Attorney can be set up if you need someone to act for you, for a temporary period — for example, while you are on holiday or in hospital, or physically impaired — or if you want to supervise their actions. The Power of Attorney can be general allowing someone to deal with all of your affairs on your behalf or be specific, allowing someone to carry out only certain tasks on your behalf.
