ACTING ON BEHALF

[SevenYellowHammers]

Acting on behalf of elderly parents: both of my parents are in their 80s and don’t do the internet or emails. I’ve got them as far as being able to read and respond to sms but emails are a step too far! So, they’ve asked me to set up NHS apps for them (surgery’s preferred way of dealing with repeat prescriptions) and to check a number of premium bond certificates for them. Both need email addresses which they don’t have (and wouldn’t access if I set up for them). Am I legally allowed to set them up with my email which I will check as needed? TIA

I have an e mail address I use for my DM and all her NHS stuff like vaccination appointments come to it. My DB has another e mail address for her which is used for financial stuff. We both have health and financial POA.

Just set up a Gmail email account for them

Just to add the e mail address is based on her name it's just diverted to me.

Thanks so much! I don’t want poa but the dedicated email address is a great idea

I know you say you don’t want POA but please do sort this out.

Easier that way than applying for a deputyship, trust me.

You will need different email addresses for each of them, as the NHS needs unique logins.
You are best off setting them up with emails and then managing them on their behalf, as it will enable their stuff to be separate to yours.
If you want to you can put a redirect so they all get forwarded to you.

For my DPs we use my mobile number but their unique email addresses on everything, and my DB and I have the login details to their emails.

(If you don't have LPAs do them in prep.)

Afterthought: There are 'friends and family' things on the NHS but we don't use them, so that may do what you want.

Also, if they are willing and it is helpful, get them to sign a letter for their GP giving you permission to talk to GP on their behalf.

You could set up email addresses for them

If you have Gmail you can use your normal account and give them their own specific address within that, rather than setting up multiple accounts and diverting them.

Use the format [email protected]

My DH is completely computer illiterate and has medical problems now (nearly 80). I just have an extra gmail account which I use for anything to do with him and set up the NHS app for both of us. He is perfectly happy for me to do all this and we don't need to give permission etc to the GP surgery as everything is on the app, repeat prescriptions, appointments, test results etc etc. Not sure how he would get on if he didn't have me, as getting through to our surgery by phone is almost impossible, but at least they are only a five minute walk away any time the online option doesn't work.