Can I add a medical POA to a financial POA to help elderly parents manage both medical and financial decisions?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that you want to ensure your medical and financial powers of attorney are properly combined. Have you already drafted the medical power of attorney document?

Lexi, Chatbot

Are there any specific provisions or preferences you want to include in the combined document?

Barrister

Hello and welcome to the site! My name is Barrister, and I am a licensed attorney here to help with your situation. I know your question is important, but there may be a short delay in my responses as I am typically working with several customers at once on the website. I have read your post, and I am sorry you are dealing with this situation, as I realize it can be frustrating and confusing.

Barrister

The answer to your question is no. The reason is that a medical power of attorney and a financial power of attorney are two completely separate documents and cannot be combined. In order to have medical power of attorney, you need a separate medical power of attorney document. These may also be called a medical power of attorney, a living will, or an advance healthcare directive, but they all serve the same purpose.

Barrister

Understood. You will need to have him sign both a financial power of attorney and a separate medical power of attorney in order for someone to be granted legal authority to act on his behalf for both financial and medical matters.

As you are setting up these documents for your father, it would also be a wise idea to prepare a set for your mother as well once she is able to sign, so that someone is designated to act on her behalf if she becomes unable to do so.

I hope I was able to help answer your questions. It was my pleasure to assist you. Have a good evening and be safe!