What Should I Include in My Medical Power of Attorney?

 Posted on May 29, 2025 in Estate Planning

For some people, planning for medical incapacity can be an upsetting subject. However, that does not make it any less important to consider as you get older. A medical power of attorney is a legal document that gives somebody else the authority to make decisions about your health if you ever become unable to. It can also include your specific instructions for healthcare in what is known as an advance directive. An Illinois estate planning attorney can guide you through the process of drafting this document, paying close attention to your wishes.

A medical POA should clearly state all of your preferences for your care. At Loire Krajniak Law, LLC, we can help you create a power of attorney that addresses your most crucial needs.

Do You Want Life-Sustaining Treatments?

Some illnesses and conditions can result in your condition deteriorating to a point where you may require certain treatments and machinery to be kept alive. A medical power of attorney can include instructions for whether or not you want to opt into life-sustaining treatments or if you would rather pass on naturally.

This is a difficult decision for anyone to make. However, an advance directive can be flexible. For instance, you can choose to stay on life-sustaining treatments for a certain number of days before instructing doctors to withdraw care. Whatever you choose, the person appointed in your medical power of attorney must respect your wishes. This can be valuable for preventing conflicts between medical staff and your loved ones. 

Where Do You Want Care to Take Place?

Everybody deserves to feel comfortable at the end of their lives. If you have any preferences about where you want end-of-life care to take place, you can specify it in your advance directive. Some find more comfort receiving nursing care in their homes, while others might feel most at ease in hospice care.

Keep in mind that in Illinois, a medical power of attorney is assumed to be durable when you create it. This means that it will remain in effect if you become unable to communicate your wishes. This can ensure that your wishes regarding hospice care are followed if your health experiences a sharp decline.

Post-Mortem Arrangements

The terms in a medical power of attorney document are not just restricted to end-of-life care. It can also cover your preferences for what should be done with your remains upon your passing. For example, you may specify that you want your organs donated to medical study after your death. This decision is not made lightly by most people, so it can be reassuring to have it in writing. 

Contact a Geneva, IL Estate Planning Attorney Today

If you have any concerns about setting up a medical power of attorney, you can ease your worries by working with a Kane County, IL POA lawyer. At Loire Krajniak Law, LLC, we will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable as we create a comprehensive power of attorney document for your healthcare needs. To schedule a free consultation today, call our offices at 630-448-2406.