South Lanarkshire health chiefs are urging residents to plan ahead for future care, as demand for private guardianship orders has increased by more than 10% since 2021 and remains near record levels. The call comes from members of South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board (IJB), who stress the importance of promoting available information and support to help people prepare for future care needs.
Guardianship Orders as a Safeguard
Guardianship orders provide an important safeguard for individuals who are no longer able to make decisions for themselves, often due to conditions such as dementia or other complex health needs. The IJB heard how services continue to respond to sustained demand, including visiting and supporting individuals subject to guardianship.
At the same time, many families across South Lanarkshire have already taken steps to plan ahead by putting arrangements such as Power of Attorney in place. This allows individuals to choose someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf should their circumstances change, helping to ensure that decisions are made more smoothly and in line with their wishes.
Encouraging Early Planning
Lesley McDonald, vice-chair of South Lanarkshire IJB, said: “It is important that individuals and families are aware of the options available to them when planning for the future. While guardianship remains an essential safeguard, we would encourage people to consider Power of Attorney at an earlier stage, where appropriate. This creates an opportunity for families to discuss a loved one’s preferences in advance, ensuring their wishes are understood and enables trusted individuals to respond quickly when decisions need to be made.”
Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer for health and social care in South Lanarkshire, added: “We often hear from people and families how important it is to have clarity about who can make decisions and how those decisions will be made, particularly when situations change quickly. Taking time to plan ahead can make a real difference, helping to ensure decisions reflect what the person would have wanted and easing some of the pressure on families at a difficult time.”
Resources and Further Information
Further information on planning for future care, including Power of Attorney, is available via www.mygov.scot/power-of-attorney. South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) is a statutory body responsible for planning, resourcing, and overseeing the delivery of integrated adult health and social care services across the South Lanarkshire region of Scotland.
