Dear Terese,
Thank your for visiting our Legal Helpmate's website.
It is a very timely idea to sign a Power of attorney before you go for a treatment. We suggest you to execute a General Durable Power of attorney for property and finances that will give your mother broad powers to handle your financial and household needs.
Please note that a General Durable Power of attorney does not give your agent (your mother) power to make medical care decisions for you in case you are unable to speak for yourself.
In this instance you need a Medical Power of attorney. This document gives the person you name as your agent the authority to make any and all health care decisions for you in accordance with your wishes, including your religious and moral beliefs, when you are no longer capable of making them yourself. Because "health care" means any treatment, service, or procedure to maintain, diagnoses, or treat your physical or mental condition, your agent has the power to make a broad range of health care decisions for you. Your agent may consent, refuse to consent, or withdraw consent to medical treatment and may make decisions about withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment. Your agent may not consent to voluntary inpatient mental health services, convulsive treatment, psychosurgery, or abortion. A physician must comply with your agent's instructions or allow you to be transferred to another physician.
Your agent's authority begins when your doctor certifies that you lack the competence to make health care decisions.
It is very easy to order and receive both of these forms: just click on
http://www.legalhelpmate.com/poa/Illinois-power-of-attorney.aspx and follow the instructions on the page.
If you have any further questions please let us know.
Disclaimer: Legal Helpmate Corp. is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. If difficult legal issues are involved, you should consult an attorney.
Best regards,
Customer Support
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