Final answer:
The statement is true; a power of attorney for personal care is used to designate a substitute decision-maker for medical and personal decisions when someone is unable to decide for themselves. It's a form of health care proxy and relates to other proactive planning like living wills.
Step-by-step explanation:
A power of attorney for personal care is indeed a legal tool used to appoint a person to make medical and other types of personal decisions on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to make these decisions for themselves. This statement is true. Essentially, the power of attorney serves as a health care proxy, which is a legal document that specifically appoints someone to make health-related decisions on another's behalf. Aside from personal care decisions, many adults are taking charge of their future by proactively making decisions while they are mentally capable, which involves consideration for a living will, retirement planning, and medical decisions. This forward planning ensures that their wishes are respected and acted upon when they may no longer be able to communicate them due to illness or incapacity.