Power of Attorney Scotland

autumnleaf72

Hi I purchased the continuing and welfare (combined) power of attorney (Scotland) from "Which" through an offer on MSE. I have been filling it out online, but before i submit i wanted to enter a section that stated my attorney has the right to decide on whether or not to switch off life support if such a decision is ever required, when i contacted Which they told me their document doesnt has a section for this and to purchase a living will. Is this correct? Im surprised to have to purchase another product and that the POA cant cover this request also.

Thanks Debbie

Cyclizine

Your welfare POA is the one that allows your nominee to make decisions about your healthcare - and only when you're unable to due to illness etc. Your nominee doesn't have the ability to 'switch off' your life support, this is a bit of a lay term and doesn't really make sense to doctors - there's no such thing as a life support machine, it's a package of care.

The limits of care would be the decision of the consultant in charge of your care - they would discuss this with your nominee who should know your wishes and communicate these. You're entrusting the nominee to make decisions for you, based on the circumstances at the time.

A living will allows you to specify the type and ceilings of care you would like: e.g. in the case of an illness or injury, you could state that you would prefer to be kept comfortable rather than have aggressive treatment that might save your life, but leave you with a permanent quality of life you would find unacceptable.

If you're unsure then you should speak to a solicitor who understands the intricacies:they need to be signed by one (or a doctor) anyway. You want to get it right!