Caring for an older person or preparing for your own aging can be more successfully managed by making decisions and arrangements before a crisis develops.  Three legal documents (power of attorney, durable power of attorney and living will) can be helpful in assuming responsibility for another person's affairs.  A standard power of attorney or durable power of attorney can be established to authorize one person to handle personal or financial matters for another.    Because the standard power of attorney loses it effectiveness if the principal becomes legally incompetent, a durable power of attorney is usually recommended.  A durable power of attorney will continue in force if a person becomes incapacitated.  A living will provides written instructions concerning health care issues in the event of terminal illness.  Living wills are recognized in most, but not all states.  The living will makes it easier for you to know how to make difficult health care decisions on a relative's behalf and can avoid family conflict.

Ferry Funeral Home does not provide legal advice.  To set up a power of attorney, a durable power of attorney or a living will, please contact your attorney.  Click the red text below to view or print a Durable Power of Attorney and Living Will form....