Why do I need a healthcare power of attorney?
A healthcare power of attorney, also known as a healthcare proxy, is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make those decisions yourself. Here are some reasons why you may need a healthcare power of attorney:
Incapacity: If you become unable to make medical decisions due to an accident, illness, or other reasons, a healthcare power of attorney allows your appointed agent to make decisions about your medical care and treatment without needing to go to court to obtain “guardianship of the person,” which can be time-consuming and costly.
Communication: Your appointed agent can communicate with your healthcare providers, ask questions, and make informed decisions based on your wishes and values.
Personal preferences: Your healthcare power of attorney can specify your preferences regarding end-of-life care, such as whether you want to receive life-sustaining treatment or not.
Family disputes: By appointing a specific person as your agent in a healthcare power of attorney, you can avoid potential disputes among family members who may have conflicting opinions about your medical care and treatment.
Peace of mind: Knowing that you have a trusted person who can make medical decisions on your behalf can provide you with peace of mind and relieve stress during difficult times.
It's important to discuss your wishes and preferences with your appointed agent and ensure that they understand your values and beliefs regarding medical treatment. It's also important to keep your healthcare power of attorney up to date and communicate any changes to your appointed agent and healthcare providers.
