Whoever you appoint as your agent will have the power to make financial and/or healthcare decisions for you. You want to make sure that you trust the person that you choose, and additionally, that they have the necessary expertise with regard to the financial and medical matters. Keep in mind that whoever you appoint as your agent will be making extremely important decisions in your stead. Consider the age, health and location of the potential agent. For example, if the agent does not live near you, it may be difficult for that person to have the required relationship with your banks (if the power of attorney is financial) or your doctors (for a medical power of attorney). While you should first and foremost choose someone who you trust, you want to make sure that the person will not refuse to carry out your wishes based on their own moral or religious views. Make sure that your agent could set aside any personal beliefs in favor of your wishes. For example, some people are very opposed to cardiac resuscitation, mechanical resuscitation, and artificial nutrition and hydration, while others strongly believe in these practices.
Choose someone you trust. Consider the age, health, and location of potential agents. Consider the agent’s religion and lifestyle preferences.