Thanks to everyone who posted to let us know how long their P.O.A took to complete.
I've had the forms from the on-line application web site all filled in, and waiting for me to take the final steps to assemble all the bodies together to sign in the correct order.
I've been hesitating to take that last step which, to me, would mean stripping my dear husband of the last vestiges of his already diminished autonomy.
I can see now that, 'She who hesitates is lost.' - My man is slipping away from me, and capacity seems to be, 'of the essence' in this matter; so, the rocket is well and truly lodged up my backside!
Thanks again all of you.