Does My Mother Need A Durable Power Of Attorney Since She Suffers From Alzheimer’s?

Complex choices about end-of-life care are difficult even when people are well.  If a person is seriously ill, these decisions can seem overwhelming.  End-of-life care refers to the medical care given in the advanced or terminal stages of an illness.  The two major forms of advance directives used in most states are the durable power of attorney for healthcare (sometimes called the medical power of attorney) and a living will.

A durable power of attorney outlines whom you have chosen to make health care decisions for you should you become unable to do so.  In most states, a spouse can make medical decisions and give medical consent when you’re not able.  But if you don’t have a spouse or a durable power of attorney, healthcare providers may require a guardianship proceeding if you aren’t mentally or physically able to make an informed medical decision or to give consent.

Patients may also want to appoint someone to manage their financial affairs when they cannot.  This is called a durable power of attorney for finances, and is a separate legal document from the durable power of attorney for health care.

Any attorney who specializes in this field can advise you on which types of power of attorney would be most appropriate for your situation.