A power of attorney gives the person or persons you appoint to act as if they were you. It is generally used should you become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions on you own regarding such things as real estate transactions, banking transactions, financial decisions and many other decisions. You can give the agent(s) you appoint virtually unlimited power to manage your affairs or very limited powers for just a particular transaction or just a few select powers. It can be a very useful tool in Medicaid planning should you or a loved should suddenly need expensive long term care.