Making decisions for someone you care for

When they have mental capacity

Someone who has mental capacity but wants you to make certain decisions on their behalf can grant you power of attorney. This is a legal document.

They might need help with:

• managing their finances, such as their bank account, savings or investments
• claiming and managing benefits
• buying or selling property
• making decisions about their care

Visit GOV.UK to:

• make decisions on behalf of someone else
• make, register or end a lasting power of attorney
• find out if someone already has an attorney or deputy
• get information on making a will

Age UK also has guidance on power of attorney.

You can search for legal services on the Buy with Confidence website. 

These businesses are all approved by Trading Standards.

When they lack mental capacity

There's a different process if someone lacks mental capacity to make decisions about certain things. 

This can be caused by an illness or a disability, such as:

• dementia
• mental health condition
• learning disability
• brain injury
• stroke

Apply to the court 

You will need to contact the Court of Protection if you want to make decisions for someone without mental capacity. 

You can apply to help someone with one-off or long-term decisions.

Apply to be a deputy

If the person needs help with making long-term decisions, you can apply to become a deputy. 

You can also become an appointee to manage someone's benefits.

More information

GOV.UK has guidance on checking mental capacity.

The NHS website has more information about the Mental Capacity Act.