STRONGER TOGETHER: The Importance of an Enduring Power of Attorney

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the importance of having an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in Queensland to ensure personal wishes are respected and to support a more efficient healthcare system.

By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea

It’s not a topic that many of us are eager to discuss, but the importance of having an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in place cannot be overstated. In Queensland, as in many other places, an EPA is a crucial legal document that ensures your wishes are respected and your affairs are managed if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

An EPA allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf regarding financial, personal, and health matters. This proactive step can prevent significant stress and confusion for your loved ones during challenging times. Without an EPA, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) may need to step in to appoint a decision-maker, which can be a lengthy and stressful process.

Recently, I attended a Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services meeting where social workers delivered a compelling presentation on the importance of having an EPA. They highlighted real-life scenarios where the absence of an EPA led to delays in critical decision-making, ultimately affecting patient care and hospital efficiency.

The most obvious advantages of creating an EPA through a solicitor of your choosing is the pre-existing relationship you share. This trusted relationship means your solicitor is already familiar with your values, preferences, and unique circumstances, ensuring that your wishes are more accurately represented and respected, while providing greater peace of mind for you and your loved ones—not something that the standardised QCAT process can replicate.

Equally as important, but less well-known, is the benefit of having an EPA on the healthcare system. When QCAT is not involved, decisions can be made more swiftly, potentially reducing the length of hospital stays. This not only benefits the individual but also alleviates pressure on the healthcare system, freeing up beds for other patients in need.

By encouraging everyone in our community to establish an EPA, we can ensure that personal wishes are respected and that the healthcare system operates more efficiently. It’s a simple yet powerful way to take control of your future and support the broader community.

In Queensland, setting up an EPA is straightforward. It involves completing a form and having it witnessed by an eligible person, such as a justice of the peace, commissioner for declarations, solicitor, or notary public. It’s a small investment of time that can provide immense peace of mind.

So, while it may not be a comfortable topic, talk to your loved ones, friends, and family. Know that setting up an Enduring Power of Attorney is a responsible and caring act. It protects your interests, supports your loved ones, and contributes to a more efficient healthcare system.