A power of attorney is a document that appoints another person, called an "attorney," to make financial and legal decisions for you. An enduring power of attorney allows your attorney to make financial and legal decisions for you if you become mentally incapable because of accident or illness. But your attorney can't make health care decisions for you. To deal with health care decisions, you can make what is called a representation agreement.

Good starting points include:

• Nidus — The Centre for Excellence in Personal Planning, from Nidus, features an "Information" section with several resources that explain the difference between an enduring power of attorney (EPA) and the different types of representation agreements (RA)s.
• Legal Help Guide for British Columbians, from Courthouse Libraries BC, has a chapter on Personal Planning, which tells you about how to get your affairs in order in case you become incapable.

Need more help?

• Phone Appointments, from Nidus, can help you determine which personal planning documents fit your situation. Appointments are 25 minutes for a modest fee.
• Legal Programs, from Seniors First BC, offers free legal consultations for seniors age 55+ (with low-income or other barriers) at select locations in Metro Vancouver once a month.
• Lawyer Referral Service, from CBA BC, helps you connect with a lawyer for an initial consultation of up to 30 minutes for $25 plus taxes.
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap.

See our related common questions:

• How can I help a person who cannot manage their own affairs?
• See all common questions about health
• See all common questions about personal planning

tags

power of attorney, enduring power of attorney, representation agreement, planning for your future, living will, EPA, RA