Many seniors increasingly require support managing their finances and/or personal care as they age and in some cases, enacting a Power of Attorney is appropriate. This often occurs when a person is no longer able to take care of their own needs though in some situations, an individual may ask a trusted loved one to take on financial POA responsibilities out of convenience rather than necessity. It’s a very personal decision, and should be carefully thought out long before it’s necessary.
Choosing a POA for your finances is an important decision, but choosing a POA for your health and personal care is arguably even more critical. After all, it’s giving another person substantial decision-making power that will directly impact your quality of life. Here’s an overview of what you need to know when choosing a Power of Attorney in Ontario.
What does a POA for health do?
When you appoint someone as your Power of Attorney for personal care (often referred to as your “POA for health”), they are given responsibility for decisions about your health care, housing, nutrition and other needs. In Ontario, this falls under the Substitute Decisions Act of 1992. There is a significant emphasis on health care, and your POA for health will communicate to healthcare professionals on your behalf. This communication includes critical information such as whether or not you have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate order) and the details of other life support measures. Typically, these decisions are outlined in your legal Will and communicated by your POA—however, if you haven’t outlined your wishes, your POA may have to make these decisions in addition to communicating with your medical team.
Your POA may decide where you live, what type of medical and personal care you receive (or do not receive, in some cases) and will have access to your medical records—so, it’s incredibly important that you choose someone you trust who is capable of fulfilling the role. In some cases, you may select more than one person to share the responsibility (though one person typically has veto power over the other in case of disagreement).
Criteria to consider
A Power of Attorney for health is often a spouse, adult child or other family member, trusted friend or even a legal professional who has been hired to implement directions you’ve laid out. In Ontario, your POA for health must be aged 16 or older (the law requires a POA for finance to be aged 18 or older). Here are a few things to consider before making your decision:
- Relationship: does this person know you well, understand and respect your wishes and have your best interests at heart?
- Location: will they be accessible to you in an emergency?
- Reliability: are they trustworthy and reliable?
- Ability: are they mentally and physically competent?
- Their life: do they have the time, energy and capacity to assist in your care?
- Willingness: does this person want to act as your POA for health, and do they understand and accept the responsibilities of the role?
This may be a difficult decision, but it’s one you should make as soon as possible and review on a regular basis.
We can help support your personal care needs
Living Assistance Services in Toronto is here to support seniors and their families by offering skilled, dedicated, personal care. In some cases, we deal directly with clients or their spouse/children and in other situations, we work with a client’s POA to provide personal care. To learn more about caregiver services by our team of Personal Support Workers (PSWs), please contact us. We’d be pleased to answer any questions you have and provide a quote.