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Lasting Power of Attorney and Advance Care Planning

31 Jan 2024

Planning ahead for the unexpected may feel overwhelming but taking control of your future and making your wishes known can be one of the most empowering decisions you'll ever make – not only for yourself but also for your loved ones.

Making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and an Advance Care Plan (ACP) can provide peace of mind and give the gift of certainty to you and your loved ones.

Source: www.giftofcertainty.gov.sg

 

1. What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

The LPA is a legal document which allows a person who is at least 21 years of age ('Donor'), to voluntarily appoint one or more persons ('Donee(s)') to make decisions and act on his/her behalf if he/she loses mental capacity one day. A Donee can be appointed to act in the two broad areas of personal welfare and property & affairs matters.

 

Benefits of an LPA

  • Enables a person to make a personal and considered choice of a trusted proxy decision maker, to act on his/her behalf should he/she lose mental capacity one day.
  • Alleviates the stress and difficulties faced by loved ones who need to apply for a deputyship order, if the person loses mental capacity without an LPA in place.

Note: There are implications of not having an LPA and deputyship application is needed, e.g. high cost of engaging a lawyer, long duration of application, possible family dispute on the appointment, need for annual deputy reporting, and possibility of repeated deputyship application with change in person’s conditions and needs.

 

What is OPG Online (OPGO)?

OPG Online is an online platform for transactions with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Transactions available include:

  • Making and certifying the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
  • Submitting Deputy Report
  • Submitting search request and CTC application
  • Making online payment

Should you require further assistance on making an LPA online via OPGO, please approach your Donee(s) or family members for help. Alternatively, you may direct your enquiry to the OPG hotline at 1800-111-2222, or visit any ServiceSG Centre or Citizen Connect Centre for assistance. For enquiries on all other transactions using OPGO, please contact OPG hotline. You may also visit the MSF website for more information 

 

2. What is Advance Care Planning (ACP)?

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of planning for one’s current and future healthcare. ACP helps individuals to communicate to important people and the healthcare team about their values and how these values shape their healthcare preferences. In the event that the individual is no longer able to make decisions or speak for themselves, the ACP guides the decision makers to act in their best interest.

 

Benefits of Advance Care Planning

Doing an ACP helps to promote more holistic healthcare:

  • Patients receive healthcare that is tailored to their values and preferences. Many patients who have done their ACP avoided unnecessary or overly aggressive medical treatments.
  • Families of people who have done their ACP experienced less anxiety, less stress, and were clearer about what decisions to make.
  • The healthcare team has a better understanding of the quality of life you expect and can act in your best interests.

 

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is also about having a conversation with important people who will be your voice if you cannot speak for themselves – we call this person a Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson (NHS).

Pick someone you trust and feel comfortable sharing their wishes and concerns with. You may also appoint your Donee as your NHS.

Please visit the AIC Website - ACP Resources - Agency for Integrated Care for more information.

 

Note:

The above information is correct as of 31 January 2024.  

Please refer to following websites for the latest/updated information.