It is important to note that POAs are valid only if you are unavailable, not if you are incapable. For example, if you are out of town on the day you must sign the papers to close on a real estate transaction, your attorney in fact can sign the papers for you. But your POA becomes invalid upon your incapacity. For example, if you are in a coma, your POA would be void, and your attorney in fact would no longer be able to act on your behalf. To solve this problem, your POA should be durable. This means the document survives your incapacity and allows your attorney in fact to continue representing you.
The durable general power of attorney allows your attorney in fact to manage all areas you designated, including your financial affairs if you choose. The durable power of attorney for health care allows your attorney in fact to give instructions regarding your treatment to your health care providers (who are legally obligated to comply) – instructions that honor what you’ve stated in your advance medical directive.
It’s rare for these two POAs to be combined into a single document. You might want different people to serve in these two roles.