What is the Difference Between a Living Will and a Durable Medical Power of Attorney?

by Tina
(California)

I am confused about the difference between a living will and a durable medical power of attorney. I thought they were the same thing. Can you help me understand the difference.

Tina,

That is a very good question, one that even some attorney's confuse. Yes, that is a true fact. That it one reason I encourage everyone to seek the services of an eldercare law or estate attorney.

Now, back to your question.

A living will is a written document that addresses a person's wishes concerning end of life decisions.

A health care or medical durable power of attorney, gives all medical decision making authority to an individual you have appointed to make medical decisions for you should you no longer be able to make your wishes known.

Those decisions would also include end of life decisions.

Some individuals choose to have both a living will and a health care/medical power of attorney.

Others wish to give complete discretion to an individual they trust,including end of life decisions, and have only a health care/medical power of attorney.

Diane Carbo RN