Let’s talk about the Living Will and how it compares to the Healthcare Power of Attorney this week.
A Living Will, also known as an “advance directive,” is a legal document that expresses your wishes regarding medical treatment if you become incapacitated and are unable to make your own decisions. It is called a “living will” because it goes into effect while you are still alive.
The main difference between a Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will is that a Healthcare Power of Attorney appoints someone else to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, while a Living Will expresses your own wishes about medical treatment.
Another difference is that a Healthcare Power of Attorney is typically used when you are unable to make your own decisions due to a temporary condition, such as being unconscious, while a Living Will is used when you are unable to make your own decisions due to a more permanent condition, such as dementia.
It is important to consider having both a Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will, as they serve different purposes and can provide you with greater control over your healthcare decisions.
I am not an attorney and cannot offer legal advice but will be happy to refer you to an attorney upon request.
