When it comes to your health care, it's crucial to have someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. This person, known as a health care proxy or health surrogate, acts as your representative in medical situations where you are incapacitated. Selecting the right person for this role and communicating your wishes clearly can ensure that your medical preferences are respected.
A health care proxy is an individual you designate to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make them yourself. This person should be someone you trust, who knows you well, and who can make difficult decisions that align with your values and preferences.
When selecting a health care proxy, consider the following factors:
Choose someone you trust, such as a close family member or friend
Ensure they have the emotional ability and presence of mind to make decisions in challenging situations
Select someone who will respect and carry out your wishes, regardless of the health scenario or care setting
Once you have chosen your health care proxy, it's essential to have an in-depth conversation about your values, beliefs, and preferences regarding medical care. Consider discussing topics such as:
Your personal faith or beliefs
Quality of life considerations
The possibility of dementia or disability
The financial and emotional burden of long-term care
It may be helpful to write a letter summarizing your conversation, which your proxy can refer to when making decisions on your behalf.
To legally designate your health care proxy, you need to complete a durable power of attorney for health care document. This can be done with the help of an attorney or by obtaining a free form from your state health department website. The document must be notarized and shared with your health care proxy and medical team.
If you do not designate a health care proxy, the state may appoint a guardian to make decisions on your behalf. This means a stranger will be responsible for guessing your wishes. By selecting a health care proxy now, while you are of sound mind, you can ensure that your medical preferences are respected and carried out by someone you trust.
For more information on advance directives and health care proxies, visit the following resources:
High blood pressure is a common health concern, affecting about half of U.S. adults. However, only a quarter of them have it under control. Many people rely solely on blood [...]
LLQ pain, or left lower quadrant pain, refers to discomfort or pain experienced in the lower left side of the abdomen. This region houses various organs, including parts of [...]
Prescription medications can be a significant expense, whether you need short-term treatment or multiple drugs for ongoing conditions. Fortunately, many generic versions of [...]