When you choose someone to be your power of attorney, whether you’re considering a medical situation or the need to carry out financial processes, you need to make sure you have the right person. This may be a family member or a very close friend, as is common, but you still want to think carefully about who to choose.
Below are a few things that you should consider as you decide who to name as your power of attorney.
They need to be willing and capable
First and foremost, only pick someone who is willing to do it. Never push this on someone who isn’t ready. For instance, a family member may well want to help you, but they may think it’s too difficult to make end-of-life medical decisions for someone they love.
Furthermore, you need someone capable of doing what is required. They need to have a general grasp of finances to handle the financial decisions. Or the capability to think clearly to make legal decisions. Just make sure that they’re up to the task.
You have to be able to trust them
Furthermore, you need to have someone that you can trust to carry out your wishes, even if those may not be in line with what they would want. For instance, maybe you do not want them to allow the doctors to put you on life support. This can be hard for them if they think it would be the best option, but you need someone who will act in your best interests and follow your instructions, so you get the type of care you want.
As you set up your power of attorney, take the time to look into all of the proper legal steps you’ll need to take.