Senior woman using a tablet

Jan’s Story

Jan is considering appointing her friend, Frances, to make financial decisions as her enduring power of attorney. Jan discovers that Frances is very busy and, as a result, is unreliable.

Last updated: 22 May 2023

Jan is making an enduring power. She is considering appointing her friend, Frances, to make financial decisions on her behalf if she is unable to make those decisions herself.

When Jan raises the topic with Frances, they discuss the types of decisions that Frances may need to make if she accepts the role, including paying for services to assist Jan with daily living, if that becomes necessary.

Frances tells Jan that she is silly to waste her money paying a stranger to care for her when she is available and willing to assist.

Jan explains that she would want to maintain her privacy by engaging a professional carer rather than someone she knows. Frances still insists that it would be much better for Jan if she looked after her.

Frances has offered to assist Jan in the past. While Frances has good intentions, Jan has found that she is very busy and, as a result, is unreliable.

Jan then speaks to her friend, Sophia. Sophia listens and asks questions to understand Jan’s wishes and preferences. She says that she understands how important privacy is to Jan. She would be happy to arrange to make payment for services for Jan, if that becomes necessary, and if that is what she wants.

Jan decides to appoint Sophia as her appointed decision-maker for financial decisions.