‘Mine was easy. My son is a medical professional capable of making difficult decisions’ –
Principal, FEPOA not in use
‘My FEPOA was set up to cater for possible future needs and has not yet been
activated. So I see it as a provision in the background and am comfortable that it
protects my future interests.’ – Principal, FEPOA not in use
‘My experience has so far been very positive. My cognitive function is normal but my
physical health is very poor and I have impaired mobility as well as limited ability to
manage complex affairs (financial, legal etc.) I have two family members whom I trust
to act on my behalf if necessary, and so far it’s worked out very well for all of us. It may
seem to some that a financial enduring power of attorney involves giving up some
autonomy, but for me the opposite is true. It’s empowered me to proactively manage
my finances regardless of my health.’ – Principal, FEPOA is active
Q54
Figure 45 – Principals’ experiences with their FEPOA and appointed decision-maker(s)
Good / positive experience
29%
Confident the person I have nominated will act in my best interests
22%
Neither good nor bad / no experiences yet
17%
Peace of mind / affairs are in order / prepared
14%
Easy process / straightforward / simple
9%
Prepared by a solicitor / lawyer / professional
9%
Discussed with decision makers / all in agreement / no conflict
8%
Stress / emotional / overwhelming
5%
Concerned about decision maker / unreliable / take advantage
4%
Q.54. Experiences with FEPOAs can be positive and / or negative. Please tell us about your experiences with your FEPOA and
appointed decision-maker(s), including if you have considered, or actually cancelled or revoked one.
Base: All principals n=537. Open comment responses have been coded, top codes shown here.
Despite generally positive experiences with FEPOAs, four in five principals and appointed decision-makers
(79%) had heard of a negative consequence resulting from having an FEPOA.
Tension or conflict in family (56%), money misused, taken or used without permission (51%) and the principal
being taken advantage of (45%) were the most common negative experiences principals and appointed
decision-makers were aware of.
Chapter : 7
Principal and appointed decision-maker considerations and experiences
51