My loved ones can tell the doctors what to do so why do I need a Power of Attorney?

If you become unable to make decisions about your health and healthcare, it is not correct to think that your loved ones will be able to make decisions as to whether or not you should receive certain treatment and this includes life-sustaining treatment. It is also not correct to think that your doctors must follow these decisions made by your loved ones. Your loved ones do not automatically have the right to make decisions about your health and healthcare if you become unable to make these decisions yourself. Only a Lasting Power of Attorney can grant the authority to someone you trust to make these decisions on your behalf.