General and precautionary powers of attorney
Anyone - regardless of age - can find themselves in a situation from one moment to the next where they are no longer able to manage their own affairs as a result of illness or an accident. If no provision is made for this eventuality, a legal guardian who is a complete stranger may be appointed for the person in need of assistance, who then has to deal with all day-to-day issues as well as make decisions, some of which are of existential importance. The appointment of such a legal guardian can generally be avoided by granting a power of attorney to a person you trust when you are healthy, which then comes into effect if you are no longer able to manage your own affairs at a later date - for whatever reason (power of attorney). If such an arrangement extends to all areas of life, it is referred to as a "general and precautionary power of attorney".
In view of the comprehensive legal authority granted to the authorized representative with a general and health care power of attorney, it is important to warn against signing one of the various forms available. A power of attorney should only be granted after intensive consultation and tailored to the specifics of the individual case.