As we age, it is important to consider the possibility that at some point we may no longer be able to make decisions for ourselves. This is especially true for seniors who are moving to or living in an assisted living community. In such cases, having a power of attorney is crucial.

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants another person the authority to act on your behalf. This person, known as an agent or attorney-in-fact (but often referred to as a power of attorney), can make decisions and take actions related to your finances, medical care, and other important matters.

There are several reasons why seniors moving to or living in an assisted living community should have a power of attorney.

First and foremost, a power of attorney ensures that someone you trust will make decisions for you. Having a designated agent can provide peace of mind, whether or not you ever lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. You can choose someone you trust to act in your best interests and ensure that your wishes are respected no matter what happens.

Second, a power of attorney can help avoid family disputes. If you have not designated an agent to act on your behalf and you become incapacitated, family members may disagree about what decisions should be made. This can lead to lengthy legal battles that are emotionally and financially draining. By having a power of attorney in place, you can avoid these types of disputes and ensure that your wishes are carried out.

Third, a power of attorney can ensure that your finances are managed properly. If you become incapacitated, bills may go unpaid and financial assets may be mismanaged. Having a designated agent who can access your financial accounts and manage your money can prevent these types of issues from occurring.

Finally, a power of attorney can ensure that your medical wishes are followed. This can include decisions about life support, medical treatments, and end-of-life care.

If you’ve not already designated someone as your power of attorney, now is the time to make that determination. Talk with a local estate planning attorney and your family about your wishes so you can ensure that you receive the support desired even if you lose the ability to make your own decisions. Although these conversations can be difficult, planning for life events will benefit you and your loved ones.

INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: The materials and information on this website have been prepared or assembled by the Community and are intended for informational purposes only. The information is general in nature and is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal advice. Some of the information may be out-of-date and may not reflect the most current legal developments regarding powers of attorney. This website contains information on legal issues and is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in the appropriate jurisdiction. Creating a valid power of attorney that carries out your wishes can be a complicated process, and the Community urges you to consult an estate planning attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction to help you navigate these issues. The Community expressly disclaims all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on information contained or missing from this website.