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Medical Power of Attorney: Choosing the Right Health Care Proxy
“When my time comes, I want to be…”
How would you choose to finish that sentence? Would you want all medical measures taken? To be at a hospital or at home surrounded by your family? There may come a time when you are unable to speak or tell anyone what you want, and if you haven’t expressed it to your someone, it may never be known. This is the crucial reason why you need a health care proxy.
The person you choose as your health care proxy, also known as a medical power of attorney, will be designated by you in your estate plan—and can be a powerful advocate for you when you are unable to advocate for yourself.
Choosing Someone You Trust
Acting as a health care proxy is no small job, and certainly not one that you want to assign to just anybody. This person should have certain key characteristics:
- Trustworthy
- An understanding of your health condition, symptoms, and medical history
- An understanding of how you want to be treated, including what treatments you want and don’t want, and under what circumstances
- Attention to detail
- An understanding of their duties and a commitment to taking them seriously
- Excellent communication skills
Ultimately, choosing the right health care proxy means hiring someone you trust to speak for you, who understands your goals and values, and who will do their best to act in your best interest. If you are considering choosing someone to act as your health care proxy and you want to make sure they are the right person, have a conversation with them to make sure that this person understands your goals and wishes.
Remember that it is never too early to plan for your future. When you choose to make this step and plan your estate or Living Will, Wisselman, Harounian & Associates is here to guide you through this process seamlessly so you can focus on what matters most right now.
Contact our Long Island estate planning attorneys at (516) 773-8300 to get started with a free consultation. There are no obligations or fees to discuss your personalized goals and find out if we are the right fit for your estate planning needs.
