A living will
Records your wishes
It sets out your treatment wishes in case you cannot communicate them, but it does not appoint anyone to make the decisions for you.
Ontario
estates · Powers of attorney
Power of attorney for health.
Quick answer
A power of attorney for personal care lets you choose someone you trust to make medical and personal care decisions if you cannot make them yourself. It takes effect only when you become mentally incapable; until then you decide for yourself.
Ontario, Canada · Updated 2026.
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01Authority
The decisions it can cover.
Your attorney makes these decisions only when you cannot, and in line with your known wishes.
- ●The use of life sustaining treatment
- ●The medication you receive
- ●The choice of medical providers and facilities
- ●Housing and personal care
- ●End of life care
02Often confused
A living will is not the same thing.
They do different jobs, and they work best together.
A power of attorney for health
Appoints a decision maker
It names a person you trust to make the decisions when you cannot. A living will and a power of attorney for health can be used together in one plan.
Health decisions only
A power of attorney for health covers medical and personal care only. To have someone manage your finances, you need a separate power of attorney for property.
03The essentials
When it works and who you name.
Choose a person you trust to speak for you at the hardest moments.
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1It takes effect on incapacity
Only when you can no longer make your own medical decisions. Until then you decide.
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2Anyone 16 or older, mentally capable
You can name more than one person and decide whether they act jointly or separately.
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3You can change it any time
As long as you are mentally capable. Tell your attorney and your care providers.
Choose who speaks for your care if you cannot.
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What is a power of attorney for health
A legal document that lets you appoint someone to make medical and personal care decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
When does it take effect
When you become mentally incapable of making your own medical decisions. Until then you continue to decide for yourself.
Is it the same as a living will
No. A living will records your treatment wishes but does not appoint anyone. A power of attorney for health appoints a person to decide, and the two can be used together.
Can it make decisions about my money
No. It covers medical and personal care only. For finances you need a power of attorney for property.
How can Khan Law help
We explain the decisions your attorney can make and draft a valid, up to date document that reflects your wishes.
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Make sure your care wishes are respected.
A named lawyer drafts your power of attorney for health for a fixed fee quoted before we begin.
Same business day response · Offices in Oakville, Milton, Mississauga, Toronto