Healthcare Power of Attorney: Why Every Senior Should Have One
According to a University of Michigan poll, nearly 54% of older adults have not completed essential advance care planning documents, such as a healthcare power of attorney. This means that in medical emergencies, their treatment preferences may not be honored.
A healthcare power of attorney allows you to designate a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.
Join us, as we explore the importance of having a healthcare power of attorney, and the steps to establish this crucial document.
What Is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone to make medical decisions on another person's behalf. There are three main aspects to understand about a healthcare power of attorney:
- How it differs from a living will
- The authority it grants to a healthcare proxy
- Why it is needed in medical situations
How It Differs from a Living Will
A living will is a written document that states a person's medical treatment preferences in advance. It usually includes instructions about life support, organ donation, and end-of-life care.
While this document is helpful, it only covers the situations described within it. A healthcare power of attorney, on the other hand, allows a designated person to make decisions based on real-time medical information. This makes it more flexible when unexpected situations arise.
The Authority It Grants to a Healthcare Proxy
The person chosen as a healthcare proxy can speak with doctors, approve treatments, and refuse medical procedures. Their role is to follow the wishes of the person they represent.
They may need to decide on medication use, surgical procedures, or long-term care options. Since medical situations can change quickly, having a trusted individual in this role ensures decisions are made in a timely manner.
Why It Is Needed in Medical Situations
Without a healthcare power of attorney, doctors may have to rely on state laws or court-appointed guardians. It can lead to delays in treatment or decisions that do not reflect the person's actual wishes.
Families can also experience disagreements when no one has clear authority to make choices. Having this document in place removes uncertainty and provides clear guidance for medical professionals and loved ones.
Why Seniors Need a Healthcare Power of Attorney
A healthcare power of attorney allows a trusted person to make medical decisions when a senior is unable to do so. As people age, health conditions can develop that may affect memory, awareness, or the ability to communicate.
Without this document, medical providers may have to rely on state laws or court orders to determine who can make healthcare choices.
There are three main reasons why seniors should have a healthcare power of attorney:
- It prevents delays in medical decision-making
- It allows a senior's wishes to be followed
- It reduces stress for family members and caregivers
It Prevents Delays in Medical Decision-Making
Medical emergencies often require quick decisions. If a senior is unconscious or unable to express their wishes, doctors may have to wait for legal approval before proceeding with treatment.
A healthcare power of attorney removes this barrier by giving a designated person the right to act immediately. It can be the difference between receiving treatment right away or facing delays that could affect recovery.
It Allows a Senior's Wishes to Be Followed
Many seniors have specific beliefs about medical treatments, including whether they want life support, surgery, or certain medications. If no legal document is in place, medical providers might make decisions based on standard practices instead of personal preferences. A healthcare power of attorney ensures that choices reflect what the senior truly wants, even when they cannot speak for themselves.
It Reduces Stress for Family Members and Caregivers
When a senior has not assigned a healthcare power of attorney, loved ones may struggle with the responsibility of making medical decisions. Without clear guidance, family members might disagree about what is best.
It can create emotional strain during an already difficult time. Having a legally appointed decision-maker removes uncertainty and helps families focus on supporting their loved one.
The Role of Advance Directives and a Living Will
A healthcare power of attorney gives a trusted person the authority to make medical decisions, but it works best when paired with other legal documents. Advance directives and a living will help ensure that a senior's healthcare wishes are clear.
There are three main ways these documents support a healthcare power of attorney:
- A living will provides specific instructions for medical care
- Advance directives include legal forms that document healthcare wishes
- Using both together gives a complete plan for medical decision-making
A Living Will Provides Specific Instructions for Medical Care
A living will is a document that outlines medical treatments a person does or does not want if they cannot communicate. This can include decisions about life support, resuscitation, feeding tubes, and organ donation.
Unlike a healthcare power of attorney, a living will does not appoint someone to make decisions. Instead, it gives doctors clear instructions about what treatments to use or avoid.
Advance Directives Include Legal Forms That Document Healthcare Wishes
The term advance directives refers to legal paperwork that helps guide medical care. A healthcare power of attorney and a living will are both considered advance directives. These documents make it easier for medical teams and families to follow a person's wishes instead of relying on guesswork.
Using Both Together Gives a Complete Plan for Medical Decision-Making
A healthcare power of attorney allows a trusted person to make real-time choices, while a living will provides written instructions. Having both documents ensures that medical providers and family members have the guidance they need. This reduces confusion and makes it more likely that a senior's healthcare preferences will be followed.
Senior Legal Planning
A healthcare power of attorney gives seniors control over their medical decisions, even when they cannot speak for themselves.
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Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your loved one's care.