What is the difference between a power of attorney for personal care and a living will?
In a power of attorney for personal care you can appoint somebody to make a wide range of personal care decisions on your behalf when you are not able to do so yourself. In New Brunswick a power of attorney for personal care is provided for by legislation. In a living will you set out detailed written instructions about your health care treatment, generally in anticipation of a terminal illness. Living wills are also referred to as advance medical directions. New Brunswick does not have any legislation dealing with living wills. This means that New Brunswick does not recognize a living will as a legal document. However, a living will does give your doctor and family a strong statement of your wishes and if the health care professionals know of your specific written instructions, they may follow your wishes. This pamphlet does not contain a complete statement of the law in this area and laws change from time to time. Anyone needing advice on his or her specific legal position should con
