Glossary
Power of attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document in which a person appoints someone to make financial or health care decisions on their behalf, either immediately or when they can no longer decide for themselves.
Communities ask for it at admission so they know who can sign and make decisions. A health care power of attorney is usually part of an advance directive.
Related terms
Advance health care directive
An advance health care directive is a legal document stating a person’s wishes for medical treatment and naming an agent to make health care decisions if they cannot.
Conservatorship
A conservatorship is a court order appointing someone to manage the personal care or finances of an adult who can no longer do so and has no power of attorney in place.
POLST
A POLST form is a signed medical order, for people with serious illness, that tells emergency responders and care staff which life-sustaining treatments the person does and does not want.
Definitions reviewed September 5, 2026. Rules vary by state and change over time; confirm specifics with the community and the licensing agency.