You can make your friend power of attorney. You need a solicitor's help everything must be filed correctly.
Any mistakes could invalidate the legal papers, and that might allow your family to take control.
It will cost a little, but its worth it for your peace of mind.
I also saw that the last hospital I was in does not use power of attorneys.
I don't understand that. Power of attorney is a legally binding contract regardless of whether you are in hospital or not.