What role does a Power of Attorney (POA) play for an individual who is incapacitated?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person to act on behalf of another in legal or financial matters when the individual is incapacitated or unable to manage their own affairs. When someone is designated as a POA, they gain the authority to make decisions regarding the incapacitated person's financial matters, which can include paying bills, managing investments, and handling real estate transactions. This role is crucial because the individual may be unable to make decisions for themselves due to physical or mental limitations, and having a trusted person manage their affairs ensures continuity and proper management of their financial situation.

In contrast, the other roles outlined in the choices do not pertain to what a POA does. While a POA may be involved in managing assets, they do not control the distribution of assets according to a will, which is typically handled by an executor after someone's death. Additionally, providing medical treatment recommendations is generally within the scope of a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney, rather than a financial power of attorney. Lastly, acting as a witness for legal documents does not align with the authority granted by a POA; rather, it is a separate legal function. Overall, the primary function of a POA is indeed to manage financial and