According to the journal Health Affairs, approximately one in three adults in the United States completes any advance directive for their end-of-life care.
At the end of life, you may be unable to make decisions regarding your medical care. This is where a healthcare proxy comes into play.
Choosing the right healthcare proxy is crucial for seniors as it helps you get the care you want. Also, having open discussions about your end-of-life planning with your healthcare proxy gives you peace of mind.
In this article, we learn more about a healthcare proxy and how to appoint the right one.
A healthcare proxy, also called an agent, representative, or surrogate, is an individual you entrust to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to communicate them yourself. Your healthcare decision-maker works closely with your medical team to ensure your treatment preferences are adhered to. Older adults need to have a healthcare proxy in case of unexpected situations such as a stroke or a serious accident.
You can use an advanced healthcare directive to name a healthcare agent. This directive is a legal document where you outline your medical care wishes in case you cannot voice them. There are different types of advance healthcare directives, including the following:
In this case, you will use the medical power of attorney, which allows you to choose a healthcare proxy. This representative should be over 18 and of sound mind.
You can choose a lawyer, a family member, or someone you trust. These requirements vary according to state.
Residents of a senior living community in Trinity, Florida, should follow the guidelines of Florida state. According to Chapter 765 of the Florida Statutes, the principal must sign a written document in the presence of two witnesses. These witnesses should meet the following qualifications:
Appointing a healthcare proxy is an important decision for your peace of mind. For seniors living in an assisted living community in Trinity, FL, it's imperative to choose a healthcare proxy as they are more vulnerable to circumstances where they are not able to make their own medical decisions.
Think about this carefully and choose an individual who you trust entirely. The following questions can help you narrow down if you have a few people in mind:
You can talk to more than one person about your medical wishes before making a final decision. After choosing the right healthcare proxy, thoroughly discuss your wishes with them. Talk to them about the kind of medical treatment you want or don't want in certain situations.
Ensure your healthcare surrogate fully understands the personal values and religious beliefs that influence your decisions. Further, discuss serious conditions such as permanent unconsciousness, terminal illnesses, and end-of-life care. Feel free to review and update your written document if your preferences change.
Specific individuals involved in the older adult's life shouldn't be named as medical proxies. These include the following:
You should avoid choosing someone so close to you or with an emotional attachment, like your child or your spouse. This is because they may be too distraught to make objective decisions in case of a medical crisis.
Name an alternate healthcare decision-maker in case your primary surrogate cannot serve for various reasons. Your alternate healthcare agent should also fully know your medical preferences and wishes.
It's important to note that your healthcare proxy can only make decisions regarding your health when you cannot communicate. You can decide which decisions your agent can make and which ones to leave to the doctor or certain family members.
Some of the common responsibilities of a healthcare proxy include the following:
After naming your healthcare decision-maker, ensure they have all the accurate information. Give them a copy of all necessary documents, such as your living will and medical power of attorney.
Your proxy should know the names and contact numbers of your medical providers and senior living community in Trinity, FL. In addition, your healthcare providers and owners of the assisted living Trinity you reside in should know your surrogate's contact information and name. Talk to your medical proxy regularly and notify them of any changes.
As part of senior legal planning, choosing a healthcare proxy is one of the essential things you can do. Having someone you can trust to make medical decisions for you when you're incapable gives you peace of mind. Choosing wisely, clearly communicating your preferences, and keeping your end-of-life wishes up-to-date is essential.
At Discovery Village Trinity, we provide personalized support to seniors and ensure our residents receive the attention and care they deserve. With amenities such as housekeeping, a fitness center, a bistro & café, and a paved walking path, seniors can live an easy and fulfilled life.
Contact us today and be part of our senior living community in Trinity, Florida.