When you’re selecting your health care proxy, which is also known as your medical power of attorney, it’s a good idea to make sure you select someone you trust and know will make good decisions on your behalf.
There are many characteristics that make someone a good choice for a power of attorney role. Someone who makes a good power of attorney will be:
- Someone who lives near to you
- Someone trustworthy
- Someone who understands the medical process
- Someone who is assertive when needed
- Someone who is willing to take on the role
- A person who is articulate and able to explain what your wishes would be
When you select a medical power of attorney, you want the person you choose to do what’s in your best interests even when you can’t tell them what you want.
Should you select a health care proxy who works in medicine?
It isn’t necessary to choose a health care proxy who works in medicine, but it is a good idea to select someone who is familiar with medical terminology or treatments, so that they understand what a medical provider is telling them.
The medical team is there to be the experts, so it’s more important to select someone who is willing to put in the research to understand treatment options and what might be best for you. They’ll be making decisions that have the potential to impact the rest of your life, so you want to select someone who will do their due diligence when selecting the best options for you.
How soon should you set up a medical power of attorney?
If you are working on your estate plan now, it’s a good idea to set up your medical power of attorney now. No matter how old you are, there is a risk that you could be injured or fall ill in a way that makes it impossible for you to communicate your wishes. You’ll want to have someone there who can make decisions for you in that case, so selecting who you want now is a smart choice. Let them know you want them to take this role. If they’re happy with it, then your attorney can draw up the legal documents needed.