What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

In Illinois, there are basically 2 different types:

Durable Power of Attorney for Property, which is a written document in which you, as the “principal”, designate an “agent”, and one or more “backup agents”, to represent you in all Financial matters--this document can be designed to take effect immediately when it is signed, or only if and when you ever become incapacitated; and

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, which is a written document in which you, as the “principal”, designate an “agent”, and one or more “backup agents”, to make all Health-Care and End-of-Life decisions for you if you are ever unable to do so yourself—this document takes effect if your doctor ever believes that you lack capacity to give informed consent to any health care the doctor believes is necessary.