A Power of Attorney lets you plan what you want another person to do for you in the future, should you become incapable of making decisions about your own affairs. Power of Attorney is a written document which includes a certificate signed either by a solicitor who is registered to practise law in Scotland or by a practising member of the Faculty of Advocates or by a registered UK medical doctor who holds a licence to practice.

https://www.gov.uk/make-decisions-for-someone

https://www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk/power-of-attorney

A Guardianship order is if the person you look after is unable to make their own decisions, and there is not already a relevant power of attorney in place, then if it is ongoing decisions that you want to manage, you could apply for a guardianship order. This means that if your application is successful you will have the authority to make certain decisions on their behalf.

https://www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk/guardianship-orders/about-guardianship-orders/what-is-a-guardianship-order

Which option is appropriate depends on whether the person you are looking after can currently make their own decisions (which is called having mental capacity) or whether they are unable to make their own decisions (which is called lacking mental capacity). If you wish to discuss these options further, please contact our office and arrange to meet with one of our Carer Information and Engagement Workers.