Choosing A Health Care Proxy

Over a decade ago, my widowed older brother suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident. Because he had not updated his estate plan documents (including his health care proxy) after his wife died three years earlier, he faced a significant challenge for his care. He was unconscious and unable to make decisions, and my brother and I were not initially authorized to act on his behalf. After a lot of legal wrangling, we were each finally able to become a health care proxy for him, but the process was difficult in a time of incredible stress.

What is a health care proxy? A health care proxy is someone who can make health care decisions for you if you are unable to communicate these yourself in an emergency or at the end of life. They work closely with your health care team to help ensure your medical care and treatment preferences are followed. Having a proxy can be especially helpful if unexpected situations arise, such as a serious car accident or stroke.

Do you have a current health care proxy? Choosing a health care proxy is an important part of advance care planning - preparing for future decisions in the event you cannot make them. In most states, a health care proxy must be at least age 18 and of sound mind. You may select a family member, trusted friend, neighbor or attorney. Consider selecting an alternate proxy in case your primary proxy is unavailable for any reason. You may change your health care proxy at any time.

Think carefully about the person you choose as your health care proxy:

· Am I comfortable telling this person my wishes and priorities for health care?

· Will they honor my wishes, and do as I ask when the time comes?

· Do I trust this person with my life?

· Can they handle conflicting opinions from my family, friends, and health care providers?

· Do they live near me, or are they able to travel to be with me if needed?

· Most important, are they willing to take on this important responsibility?

Common responsibilities of a health care proxy include:

· Deciding the types of medical care, procedures, treatments, or services you receive.

· Identifying your health care providers and where you will receive care.

· Overseeing information about your physical or mental health and your personal affairs, including medical and hospital records.

· Making decisions about autopsy, tissue, and organ donation, and what happens to your body after death.

To make your decision official, complete the durable power of attorney for health care form for your state. You may need to have your form witnessed or notarized, so be sure to read the directions closely. After naming your health care proxy, make sure they have the right information:

· Give your proxy a copy of the signed durable power of attorney for health care form, your living will, and any other documents you think they may need.

· Make sure they know the names and contact information for your health care providers.

· Ensure your health care provider knows the name and contact information for your proxy.

· Keep your proxy informed if your care preferences and decisions change.

If you have questions about this topic, reach out to a financial professional. If you are not currently working with FPS, we would be happy to talk with you. Questions? We are here to help.

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Best regards,

Janet Rhodes Friedman, CFP®, CDFA®, MBA

Janet@PlanWithFPS.com

617-630-4978

Financial Planning Solutions, LLC (FPS) is a Registered Investment Advisor. Financial Planning Solutions, LLC (FPS) provides this blog for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this blog should be considered investment, tax, or legal advice. FPS only renders personalized advice to each client. Information herein includes opinions and source information that is believed to be reliable. However, such information may not be independently verified by FPS. Please see important disclosures link at the bottom of this page.