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Who should you choose as your health care proxy?

On Behalf of | Oct 16, 2024 | Estate Planning

Every adult should have a durable power of attorney for health care, identifying someone to make health care decisions when they are unable to communicate their wishes. This party is called a health care proxy, and they typically make tough and quick decisions.

You need to choose someone you believe will perform the required duties effectively.  Here are three questions to ask yourself when selecting:

1. Can they set aside emotions to make informed decisions?

Some of the decisions your health care proxy might make can be too painful. Thus, you want someone who can set aside feelings and make informed decisions. Assess your loved ones to identify someone you have seen make the best decisions in their life when their judgment could have been clouded by emotions.

2. Can they make quick decisions?

As aforementioned, your health care proxy may need to make quick decisions. The information they have about your health one minute may change the next. Accordingly, they may need to make a different decision. Someone with excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills can make quick decisions.

3. Can the person speak on your behalf?

You want to name a health care proxy who can stand up for you. They should be confident enough to ask doctors and other professionals questions to learn more about a matter before making a decision. They need to be comfortable asking for clarification when they don’t understand a situation. Additionally, they should be able to honor your wishes, beliefs and preferences even when other people suggest otherwise.

You can choose your parent, child, sibling, spouse, relative or friend to be your health care proxy, provided they possess your non-negotiable qualities. Legal guidance can help you identify that party and validate your decision.