How to Talk to Family About Power of Attorney & Future Care

Planning for the future isn’t always easy, especially when it involves sensitive topics like independence, legal authority, and long-term care. But having honest conversations about Power of Attorney (POA), living wills, and caregiving needs is one of the most meaningful steps families can take to ensure comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re initiating this conversation with your aging parents or preparing your own care plan, this guide from ThedaCare At Home will help you navigate these crucial discussions with compassion and confidence.

Why It’s Important to Talk About Future Care

Many families put off conversations about aging and care planning because they feel awkward or emotionally charged. Yet research shows that 90% of people believe talking about end-of-life care is important, but only 30% have actually done it. When left unspoken, important decisions can fall to loved ones during moments of crisis or uncertainty.

Having these conversations early empowers everyone involved to make informed decisions together, explore helpful resources, and reduce future stress.

What Is Power of Attorney (POA)?

Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone (called an “agent”) to act on behalf of another person (the “principal”). In Wisconsin, the two main types of POA are:

Financial POA – Handles financial matters such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, or handling real estate.
Healthcare POA – Makes medical decisions when the individual is unable to communicate their wishes.

These can be durable, meaning they remain in effect even if the person becomes incapacitated. POAs can be tailored to specific needs and timeframes.

What Is a Living Will?

A living will, also called an advance directive, outlines your preferences for medical care if you’re unable to communicate them. This may include instructions about:

Life support
Feeding tubes
Pain management
Resuscitation

Living wills are often completed alongside a healthcare POA and are part of a broader estate planning toolkit, which may include trusts and financial directives.

How to Start the Conversation About Future Care

Talking about legal documents, aging, and medical care isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Choose a Calm Moment

Avoid high-stress or emotionally charged settings. A relaxed conversation during a walk, coffee break, or family dinner is often a good starting point. You might also use natural openings, such as a recent health scare in the family or community.

2. Lead with Compassion

Start with empathy, not legal jargon. Try saying:

“I want to make sure we’re honoring your wishes if anything unexpected happens. Would you feel comfortable talking about that together?”

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Create space for your loved one to express their thoughts:

“What matters most to you when it comes to your care?”
“Have you ever thought about who you’d trust to make decisions for you?”

4. Offer Support, Not Pressure

Make it clear you’re there to help, not take over. You can offer to:

Look up forms together
Schedule a meeting with an attorney
Help gather and store important documents

Legal Preparation in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, statutory POA forms are available for both financial and healthcare decisions. These can be downloaded directly from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

To make a POA valid, you must:

Select a trusted adult as your agent
Specify what powers are granted
Sign the documents in front of a notary public

While an attorney isn’t required, working with an elder law attorney can help ensure the documents meet your specific needs and comply with legal standards.

Don’t Forget to Talk About Caregiving & Mobility

As we age, needs around mobility, safety, and daily care may change. These conversations should go beyond legal forms and address the practical realities of aging at home or receiving care.

Discuss caregiving preferences, such as:

Who will assist with bathing, dressing, or meal preparation?
What medical conditions or medications need ongoing support?
Are there mobility challenges in the home (stairs, narrow hallways, etc.)?

Equipment to Support Aging in Place

Home modifications and mobility aids can make it easier, and safer, to remain independent. ThedaCare At Home offers a wide range of tools that can support daily living:

Stair Lifts: Provide safe access to all levels of the home
Lift Chairs: Help with sitting, standing, and reducing fall risk
Scooters and Power Chairs: Support longer trips and outings for those with limited endurance
Wheelchairs and Walkers: Offer daily stability and confidence in mobility

These products don’t just improve physical safety, they help preserve dignity and personal freedom.

Tips for Organizing the Process

Store Documents Safely: Keep POAs and living wills in a secure but accessible location. Provide copies to your healthcare provider and family.
Name Backup Agents: Always list successor agents in case your first choice can’t serve.
Review Every Few Years: Update plans after major life events or health changes.
Coordinate With Your Care Team: Ensure your doctors and care providers know your wishes and have current documentation.

Caring Is Planning

At the heart of these conversations is a desire to care deeply and respectfully for the people we love. Talking about Power of Attorney and future care can feel vulnerable, but it can also strengthen relationships, protect well-being, and offer lasting peace of mind.

ThedaCare At Home is here to help, with trusted home medical equipment, guidance, and compassionate support for every step of the journey.

How to Talk to Your Family About Power of Attorney and Future Care