Living Will Lawyer Reading
A living will allows you to clearly outline your healthcare preferences in advance, helping your loved ones honor your wishes during critical medical situations. Brandywine Estate & Probate Lawyer supports clients in Reading with guidance from an experienced living wills lawyer. To begin planning your advance directive, contact our office at 484-285-5707 for a consultation.
Selecting the Right Person for Your Healthcare Decisions
When it comes to your healthcare, having the right person to make decisions on your behalf in case you are unable to do so is crucial. This person is known as a healthcare proxy. Choosing the right healthcare proxy is a decision that should be made carefully and thoughtfully, as this person will be responsible for making critical healthcare decisions if you are incapacitated or unable to communicate your wishes.
What is a Healthcare Proxy?
A healthcare proxy is someone you appoint to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. These decisions could range from choosing treatment options, managing life-support issues, or deciding on end-of-life care. The person you appoint must act in accordance with your wishes, values, and best interests.
Healthcare proxies are often established through a legal document called a “healthcare power of attorney” (HCPA), where you designate someone to act as your proxy. The document clearly outlines the scope of the proxy’s powers and responsibilities. If you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions due to illness or injury, your healthcare proxy will step in to make medical decisions according to the guidance you have provided.
Why Do You Need a Healthcare Proxy?
Without a healthcare proxy in place, medical decisions may be made by doctors, family members, or other healthcare providers based on their own understanding of what is best for you. This can lead to confusion or even conflicts among loved ones who may disagree about your care.
A healthcare proxy ensures that the person making decisions is someone you trust, who understands your values and can follow your preferences if you’re unable to communicate. It also removes the burden from family members who may otherwise have to make difficult decisions without clear direction.
Choosing the Right Person for the Job
Selecting the right healthcare proxy is one of the most important aspects of this planning. You need to be confident that the individual you choose is both capable and willing to act on your behalf. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right healthcare proxy:
- Trustworthiness
The most important characteristic of a healthcare proxy is trust. This individual will be responsible for making decisions that could significantly impact your health and well-being. You must choose someone who respects your wishes and will make decisions based on your values, not their own personal beliefs or preferences. - Ability to Make Tough Decisions
Healthcare decisions, especially in emergencies or end-of-life situations, can be extremely difficult. The person you choose should be someone who can stay level-headed, make informed decisions, and act quickly when necessary. Ideally, this person should be able to consider all available options and weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions. - Understanding of Your Wishes
Before appointing someone as your healthcare proxy, it’s important to have a conversation with them about your healthcare preferences. They need to understand your values, how you feel about life-sustaining treatments, and what your goals are in different medical situations. You should discuss topics like resuscitation, artificial life support, organ donation, and whether you want to receive hospice care in the event of terminal illness. - Availability and Accessibility
Your healthcare proxy must be someone who is easily accessible in case an emergency arises. This individual should be able to respond quickly and communicate with medical professionals if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. If you appoint someone who lives far away or has a busy lifestyle, they may not be able to act on your behalf when needed. - Emotional Strength
It’s important to choose a person who can handle the emotional burden that comes with making difficult healthcare decisions. Medical situations involving life and death, especially when making decisions about end-of-life care, can be extremely challenging. Your proxy should be able to manage their emotions while making decisions that reflect your wishes and best interests. - Willingness to Take on the Role
Being a healthcare proxy is a significant responsibility, so it’s important that the person you choose is willing to take on the role. Ask the individual ahead of time if they are comfortable with the responsibilities and ready to make potentially difficult decisions on your behalf. Make sure they are clear about what the role entails and are ready to accept it. - Communication Skills
Your healthcare proxy will need to communicate with doctors, family members, and other healthcare professionals. It’s essential that they have good communication skills and are comfortable navigating the healthcare system. They should be able to ask the right questions, get clear answers, and communicate your wishes effectively to all parties involved. - No Conflicts of Interest
It’s a good idea to avoid appointing someone who may have conflicts of interest when it comes to your healthcare decisions. For example, a person who stands to inherit a large sum of money from your estate may not always act in your best interest. To avoid complications, appoint someone who has no financial stake in your decisions.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Healthcare Proxy?
If you do not appoint a healthcare proxy and you become incapacitated or unable to make medical decisions, the court may step in to appoint a guardian or another person to make decisions for you. This process can be time-consuming and stressful for your family members. Without clear instructions, there is also a risk of conflict among family members, leading to delays in care or disagreements about the best course of action.
Having a healthcare proxy in place helps avoid this uncertainty and ensures that your healthcare decisions are in the hands of someone you trust.
Reviewing and Updating Your Documents
It’s important to review and update your healthcare proxy regularly. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, changes in health, or a shift in personal values may influence who you want to designate as your proxy or what instructions you wish to provide. You may also want to revise your healthcare proxy if your first choice for a healthcare proxy becomes unavailable or unable to fulfill the role.
If any changes are made, ensure that the proper legal documentation is updated and that your healthcare providers and loved ones are aware of the changes.
Make Your Wishes Known with a Living Wills Attorney
A well-drafted living will ensures your healthcare preferences are honored when it matters most. Brandywine Estate & Probate Lawyer is proud to assist Reading residents through the guidance of a knowledgeable living wills attorney. For clarity and control over your medical decisions, call 484-285-5707 to schedule your consultation today.