Do I lose any rights when I make a power of attorney?

No. A power of attorney simply allows a designated person whom you trust to exercise the rights that are provided in the power of attorney document. While powers of attorney often cover a broad range of matters, you can craft a power of attorney as narrowly as you choose. The power of attorney does not provide that an elderly person surrenders these rights. The only “right” that you are relinquishing is the right to retain sole control over the area governed by the power of attorney.