@becsbuddy Becky in all my research of caring for someone I had not come across Medical Power of Attorney until after my mom's death a few days ago. My eldest brother had Power of Attorney and I thought he had the say in my mom's health care.

I guess since my mom had lived with me and I was the one that took care of her medical care they always asked me about her medical care wishes and end of life decisions. She had the general dnr order, but I was asked many in depth questions of her wishes and my brother with power of attorney did not get asked those questions.

My mom could not verbally answer the questions. She had a brain bleed.. a stroke. Should could not speak nor move her left side at all. She understood all the neurologist said. I communicated with her with hand squeezes.

I really should have had Medical Power of Attorney, but fortunately the doctors worked with me and I did ask my two brothers their input. I made no decisions on my own.. mom was able to do it. I just passed on what she wanted. We had talked about her wishes as other family members and friends went through different situations. Refusal of feeding tubes, life extending measures such as a ventilator.

Now is the time to talk about your wishes with your family or your caregiver, your doctor and to have it written down. My husband and I are going to go through and update some of our documents. Things change over the years. We are trying to make it easier on our children. Even if you are young you need to take care of these legal documents.

Zee Gee