Yes. Many of our cases are carried out through the Court of Protection, which appoints deputies to act on behalf of people who have lost the capacity to make decisions themselves. For example, if one of your loved ones was left with reduced mental capacity following a road traffic accident then the Court of Protection, following an application and review process, could appoint you as a deputy to legally act on their behalf.
In cases where there are no close friends or family to act on the client's behalf, a solicitor may also be appointed as a deputy. Solicitors are also appointed if there are exceptionally complex decisions to be made.
You are free, if you have the mental capacity to do so, to give Lasting Power of Authority to a trusted friend or family member. If, further down the line, your mental capacity deteriorates then the person who holds your Power of Attorney will be able to act on your behalf.
You can also act on behalf of your children, provided that they're under 18 years of age.