Commonly Asked Questions about Power of Attorney For Personal Care (Medical).
- Is a Power of Attorney the same thing as a “Living Will”?
- What does a Power of Attorney for Personal Care do?
- I want to be an organ donor, is there anything I need to do?
- What do I do if my parent is mentally incapable and there is no Power of Attorney?
Is a Power of Attorney the same thing as a “Living Will”?
No. A Power of Attorney is sometimes confused with the term Living Will. A Power of Attorney for Personal Care is sometimes referred to as a Living Will. This document establishes what your wishes are regarding health care decisions if you are unable to speak for yourself. A Power of Attorney for Personal Care also appoints someone to act on your behalf to carry out those wishes.
What does a Power of Attorney for Personal Care do?
A Power of Attorney for Personal Care (Health Care) sets out your wishes in terms of what kind of medical treatment, heroic measures, and pain medication you want or don’t want. It can also contain the right for your Power of Attorney to consent to treatment if required.
I want to be an organ donor, is there anything I need to do?
The best thing to do if you want to be an organ donor is to register with Service Ontario. It takes only a few minutes to complete:
We also suggest that you let your family and doctors know that you are registered.
What do I do if my parent is mentally incapable and there is no Power of Attorney?
If there is no Power of Attorney in place, under the Ontario Substitute Decisions Act, the Office of Public Guardian and Trustee becomes the Statutory Power of Attorney. Families can work with the OPGT and apply for the Power of Attorney to be transferred.
If you have questions about Power Of Attorney for personal care, please contact:
Tracey Jones, Law Clerk
Email: info@hummingbirdlaw.com
Phone: 905 731 1911
