Function

• A living will documents your wishes regarding extraordinary medical measures should you experience an illness or injury that puts you into an irreversible vegetative state. A medical power of attorney legally designates a person to make your medical decisions if you become unable to speak for yourself.
  
  

Features

• Physicians or family members will not consult your living will while you are able to speak for yourself, only when there is no hope of your recovery. Your power of attorney will be effective only when you become incapable of handling your affairs.
  
  

Types

• A living will is also called an advance directive. A power of attorney can be medical, general, special--limited to certain situations--or durable.
  
  

Benefits

• A living will document can relieve family members of making difficult life and death decisions for you. A power of attorney document can alleviate your worry concerning who will take care of decisions should you become unable.
  
  

Considerations

• A living will is subject to the doctor's evaluation of your medical condition. A power of attorney authorizes a proxy to make decisions that may not always be in accordance to your wishes.