When estate planning, you will pick a health care agent who will ensure your medical wishes are observed and make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This party can agree on a particular treatment to be administered, decline a treatment and direct an ongoing treatment to be withdrawn.
So, who among your loved ones can assume such responsibilities? Here are four questions to ask yourself:
Can you discuss complex matters with them?
Choose someone you are comfortable discussing life and death matters with. If you find it challenging to open up about sensitive matters regarding your health to a particular party, they may not be the most suitable choice.
Do they understand your values and wishes?
It’s vital to have a health care agent who understands your values and wishes. This way, they can make the best decisions on your behalf and follow those included in your living will without difficulties.
Can they be assertive?
A health care agent should not agree with everyone all the time. While they should ask your doctors and family members questions to understand your situation in-depth, they should make their own decisions. And some of those decisions may contradict the wishes of your loved ones and health care team.
Your chosen party should stand by their decisions. You want someone who can strongly advocate on your behalf to be in charge of your health.
Can you trust them with your life?
With the criticalness of their role, you should appoint a trustworthy health care agent – someone you are comfortable putting your life in their hands.
After picking a reliable health care agent, seek legal guidance to validate your decision and others on your estate plan.