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.

Need more help?

• Nidus In-Person or Phone Appointments, from the Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry, will help you determine which documents fit your situation. Appointments are 20 minutes for a fee of $25, sliding scale for low-income.

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