Your Will takes effect on death. However, an Enduring Power of Attorney makes provision during your lifetime for someone to administer your financial affairs. In addition, if you were to become incapacitated through age, illness or an accident, the same document gives your attorney power to make decisions for personal and health matters based on your wishes.
The document therefore continues even after mental incapacity. This is important when decisions have to be made and a person is unable to give instructions.