Middle Ground Alternatives

Power of Attorney, cont'd

Here are some examples of financial decision-making powers a principal can give the agent:

• Paying bills such as the rent or mortgage
• Conducting financial transactions
• Handling investments
• Applying for public benefits on behalf of the person
• Hiring care-givers
• Making housing decisions
• Exercising the principal’s legal rights and conducting lawsuits

Here are some examples of medical decision-making powers a principal can give the agent:

• Refusing or agreeing to treatments
• Changing health care providers
• Removing the patient from an institution
• Deciding about making organ donations
• Deciding about starting or continuing life support (if not specified in living will)
• Having access to medical records

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