Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney

This document is essentially known as a “Living Will”. The best way to distinguish a Power of Attorney (POA) from a Will is the time the document comes into effect. Whereas a Will comes into effect after ones demise, the POA takes effect upon execution. The POA will ensure that if at any point in time you become mentally incapacitated and are unable to make decisions for yourself, a person designated to be your executor can make those decisions on your behalf, as directed in your POA. Simply put, having this document will ensure that if you are unable to make health care or financial decisions for yourself for whatever reason, the persons designated in your POA will have the power to carry out decisions as directed by you in your POA.

There are two types of Power of Attorneys:

Power of Attorney for Health

This type is designed to name a person to make your medical and long-term care decisions in the event you become mentally incapable of making those decisions yourself.

Some of the common elements covered under this document are: nutrition, hygiene, meals, housing and anything else pertaining to your health and well-being.