It's unpleasant and uncomfortable to think about a time when you may not be able to make your own decisions because of illness or injury, but a little foresight can be helpful in the event of a catastrophe.
Designating a power of attorney gives you more control in the event of an emergency. You can choose who makes choices on your behalf and the types of decisions they can make - medical, financial, property, etc. Appointing a power of attorney is quick, easy, and inexpensive.
If you do not have a power of attorney, the court will grant a guardianship to the person they think is most equipped to make decisions. The court will also decide the scope of powers. Guardianships can lead to family struggles and can be time consuming and costly.
Learn more here.