One way to make future healthcare decisions is to use a medical power of attorney. Instead of making those decisions directly – such as saying that you don’t want to be resuscitated – you instead pick an agent and give them the legal ability to make these choices on your behalf. If something happens to you and you are incapacitated, the agent steps in.
As such, it’s very important to choose the right agent. What should you look for when selecting this person?
They should live nearby
First off, they should live relatively close to you and your family. Medical situations sometimes require emergency treatment, and they need to be able to get to you quickly.
They should understand the healthcare process
Next, look for someone who won’t have trouble navigating the medical process. Maybe they’ve been through it themselves or they are knowledgeable and articulate, and they’ll be able to work with your medical team. It won’t feel overwhelming for them.
They should be willing to take on the role
Speaking of things being overwhelming, simply making medical decisions for a loved one can be too much for some people to handle on an emotional level. They’re not interested in deciding if you should be kept on life-support or not. You should talk to them in advance, express your wishes and make sure that they’re actually willing to be part of your estate plan before including them in the documentation.
Drafting your plan
A medical power of attorney is just one part of an estate plan. As you begin to get your plan in place, carefully consider all of the legal steps you’ll need to take.