Although a Power of Attorney can be used to ensure that someone is able to look after your financial affairs for you, it does not give your attorney the power to be involved in decisions regarding your health care or medical treatment if you become seriously ill or are injured.

For many people facing serious illness or undergoing major surgery, one solution is an advanced care directive (sometimes called a living Will, although this is an imprecise expression).  Properly prepared, this document enables people you trust to have a say in your treatment and care in circumstances where you are not able to communicate. This can include acting on your stated wishes regarding the nature of the treatment you receive, palliative care and even whether you wish to have life support ended in certain circumstances.

Drafting these documents requires careful consideration and appropriate legal advice.  Our Wills and Estate experts can discuss your options with you and suggest solutions which best suit your wishes.

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