Life can change in an instant. One day, everything is normal — and the next, you’re responsible for someone else’s entire life.
That’s what happened to Dr. Mary Jarratt. In 2018, her brother Billy asked if he could name her as his Power of Attorney (POA) while updating his will. At the time, it felt like a formality. Billy was active, healthy, and had a long career in municipal management. But in January 2023, at age 58, he suffered a massive stroke that left him unable to speak and reliant on a wheelchair.
Mary, a physician herself, suddenly found herself responsible not just for Billy’s medical and financial decisions, but also for his teenage son and the future of the family home. Even with her medical background, she admits she underestimated what being a POA really involves.
The Importance of Preparation
One of the biggest challenges Mary faced was not having access to her brother’s essential documents. Billy had never given her copies of his will or POA paperwork. His lawyer had retired and didn’t keep files, and banks required original documents to give her any access.
That meant weeks of delays, obstacles with utility companies (many of which had only digital records), and a steep learning curve navigating a complex system—on top of managing Billy’s personal care, finances, and home responsibilities.
A Role with Endless Duties
Michelle McDonald, CEO of Brain Injury Canada, puts it plainly: “The duties are endless.” Often, those assigned POA are also primary caregivers, balancing both emotional and practical responsibilities with little to no training.
From managing finances to arranging care, supporting children, and making life-altering decisions—POA isn’t just a title. It’s a job that requires preparation, support, and open communication.
Another Story: Prepared, But Still Not Easy
Mike and Carmen Cels of Oakville, Ontario, were more prepared. Mike was diagnosed with ALS in 2017, and the couple had already designated each other as POA years earlier when they started a family. As Mike’s condition progressed, they updated everything—wills, alternate POAs, even a detailed portfolio of documents stored safely and digitally accessible by their adult children.
Still, even with careful planning, Carmen says she often wonders whether she’ll be able to make the right decisions when Mike can no longer speak for himself. “Sometimes he chooses a route I wouldn’t have expected,” she shares.
What You Can Do Right Now
If someone asks you to be their Power of Attorney—or if you’re thinking of assigning one—take the time to talk. Spend an hour discussing what matters to you or them: finances, property, family, and medical care preferences. Make sure originals of important documents are safely stored and accessible when needed.
And most importantly, don’t treat POA as just paperwork. It’s a conversation, a relationship, and a responsibility that deserves thought, honesty, and planning.
Because life doesn’t always give us a warning.
Original Article Link: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/power-of-attorney-canada-1.7086725
Original Article Author: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/author/brandie-weikle-1.3761417
