When deciding whether to take on the role, appointed decision-makers were far more cognisant of their personal difficulties than principals. The top factors that influenced appointed decision-makers’ decision to take on the role were whether they would listen to, respect and act on the principal’s wishes (90%), were willing to take on the role with all its responsibilities (87%) and had knowledge about what the principal wanted and valued (86%). Four in five (80%) considered whether they could manage the role alongside any of their own personal difficulties and three in four (72%) considered whether they could handle the emotional toll of the role. Two in five (40%) considered whether they were expecting an inheritance from the principal. Figure 41 – Factors influencing decision to take on role of appointed decision-maker Yes No Unsure Would listen to, respect and act on the principal’s wishes 90% 6% Were willing to take on the role with all its responsibilities 87 % 7% Had knowledge about what the principal wanted and valued 86% 8% 6% Could manage property and / or money well 82% 9% 9% Had the confidence to speak up on the principal’s behalf (e.g. to lawyers) 82% 9% 8% Could communicate effectively with others and resolve disagreements 81% 12% 8% Could stay calm in a crisis 81% 12% 8% Could manage the role alongside any of your own personal difficulties 80% 12% 8% Understood the principal’s culture and connection to community 77% 16% 7% Had the skill and time required to perform the role 77% 12% 11% Lived in appropriate proximity to the principal or could manage from afar 77% 16% 7% Could manage difficult family dynamics related to the role 73 % Could handle the emotional toll of the role Were expecting an inheritance from the principal 72 % 40% 53 % 15% 12% 14% 13% 8% Q.36. When deciding whether to take on the role as decision-maker, did any of the following influence your decision? Whether you… Base: All decision-makers n=522. ‘Don’t know’ cells with 5% or less have had their data labels removed. 7.3 Appointed decision-makers' understanding of their role and the principal’s wishes Only a quarter (26%) of active appointed decision-makers felt that when they started performing their role, they understood their responsibilities very well. The data also revealed that two-thirds (68%) of active appointed decision-makers felt that when they started performing the role, they understood the principal’s wishes very well. 48 Empowering futures: A national survey on the understanding and use of financial enduring powers of attorney