There may come a day when you’re unable to make decisions on your own, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be some that have to be made. Taking the time now to determine who you want to be your medical proxy ensures that those decisions can be made for you.
In order to determine who you should name as your health care proxy, you should consider a few important points. The person isn’t just about having someone named on a paper. Instead, it’s about having someone who can make decisions for you. As you’re thinking about who you want to name, consider these traits:
Dependable
The person you name should be dependable. They will have to be able and willing to step into a difficult role quickly. They’ll have to listen to medical information, ask questions, consider the options and communicate with the medical team, even while they’re dealing with the emotional toll of your condition.
Focused
A medical proxy can’t make decisions based on what they want. Instead, they have to make decisions that align with your wishes. It’s critical that you choose someone who is willing to think solely about what you would want and not factor in the wishes of anyone else. Your healthcare proxy has to work closely with your medical providers. They should be able to do this in a calm manner, even when there are disagreements.
It’s a good idea to create an advanced directive that outlines decisions you’ve already made about your healthcare because that provides a written account of your wishes. Having that, as well as a healthcare proxy, can ensure that your medical care remains consistent even if you become incapacitated.