Quick take
- A living will records your medical treatment choices and is used only when you cannot decide.
- A power of attorney authorizes a trusted agent to act for you for health care, finances, or both.
- The living will gives instructions; the POA gives authority. Most people benefit from having both.
Why this matters
Serious illness or injury can silence you. Without clear documents, families guess and institutions delay. A living will and a power of attorney reduce conflict and keep your wishes in force.
What each document does
- Living will
- Sets preferences for treatments such as ventilators, feeding tubes, CPR, and pain control when you cannot decide. It guides clinicians in defined end-of-life or incapacity scenarios and does not name a decision-maker.
- Power of attorney
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Health care POA
Authorizes an agent to consent to procedures, choose facilities, and access records if you are incapacitated.
Financial POA
Authorizes an agent to pay bills, manage accounts, and handle property when you cannot.
When they take effect
- Living will: Activates only under specific medical conditions when you cannot communicate.
- Power of attorney: May be effective immediately or only upon incapacity, depending on how it is drafted.
Who decides
- Living will: You decide in writing; clinicians follow it.
- Power of attorney: Your named agent decides within the scope you grant.
Key Areas of Authority & Control
- Life support
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- Living will: You state whether to start or withdraw support.
- Health care POA: The agent applies your wishes in real time.
- Specific medical treatments
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- Living will: You outline choices on feeding tubes, ventilators, resuscitation, and pain relief.
- Health care POA: The agent reviews options with clinicians and gives consent.
- Banking and investments
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- Financial POA: The agent pays expenses, manages accounts, and makes investment moves as authorized.
- Property and assets
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- Financial POA: The agent may sell, lease, or mortgage property if permitted by the document.