Planning Ahead: What Seniors Need to Know About Advance Directives, Living Wills and Powers of Attorney
As we get older, planning ahead becomes more important—not just for ourselves, but for the people we care about. You may have heard terms like advance directive, living will or power of attorney and thought, “What do all these mean, and which ones do I really need?”
You’re not alone. These terms can be confusing. This article will break them down clearly, so you can understand what each one does, how they work together and how they can protect you and your loved ones.
Advance Directive: The Big Picture
An advance directive is a general term that includes several documents that spell out your wishes about medical care if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself. It usually includes two parts:
- A Living Will
- A Healthcare Power of Attorney (or Healthcare Proxy)
Think of the advance directive as the umbrella. The living will and healthcare power of attorney are the parts underneath it.
Living Will: Your Medical Wishes in Writing
A living will is a written document that tells doctors what kind of medical care you want—or don’t want—if you’re seriously ill and can’t speak for yourself.
For example:
- Do you want to be put on a ventilator?
- Do you want CPR if your heart stops?
- Do you want to be fed through a tube if you’re unconscious?
You don’t need to know all the medical terms. The point is to let your loved ones and doctors know what “quality of life” means to you and what kinds of treatments you’d be comfortable with.
Healthcare Power of Attorney: Choosing Someone to Speak for You
A healthcare power of attorney lets you name someone (called an “agent” or “proxy”) to make medical decisions for you if you can’t.
This person should be someone you trust such as your spouse, a child or a close friend. It’s important to choose someone who knows your values and will speak up for you. You can also give them guidance on specific treatments or let them decide based on what’s best at the time. Be sure to talk with this person about your wishes, so they feel confident if they ever have to step in. It is recommended you have two people listed as your Power of Attorney. For instance, if you list only your spouse, and they pre-decease you, it’s good to designate an alternative person to take over.
Financial Power of Attorney: Managing Your Money and Bills
This is different from a healthcare power of attorney.
A financial power of attorney lets someone handle your money, property and legal matters if you become unable to do so. This can include:
- Paying your bills
- Managing your bank accounts
- Selling property
- Filing your taxes
You can choose to have this document take effect right away or only if you become mentally or physically unable to manage your affairs (this is called a “springing” power of attorney).
Where to Start
If you want to be well prepared and help your family avoid confusion or legal hurdles, here’s what you should consider having in place:
- Living Will – Tells doctors your medical treatment wishes
- Healthcare Power of Attorney – Names someone to make medical decisions
- Financial Power of Attorney – Names someone to handle money and legal matters
Some people also create:
- A Will or Trust – To pass on their belongings
- A POLST or MOLST form – For people with serious illnesses, stating medical orders for end-of-life care
Once you’ve thought about the basics, here are a few simple steps to take next:
- Talk to your doctor about advance directives.
- Choose your agents carefully—people who are trustworthy and know your values.
- Fill out the forms—many states have free versions online. Wisconsin Department of Health Services shares Advance Directive forms on their website.
- Give copies to your doctor, your hospital, and your chosen decision-makers.
- Review them regularly in case your wishes change.
Putting these documents in place doesn’t mean you’re giving up control. It means you’re keeping control, even if something unexpected happens. And just as importantly, you’re saving your loved ones from having to make difficult choices without knowing what you would have wanted. It’s one of the kindest and most responsible gifts you can give them.