Family health care planning is pivotal in today’s fast-paced environment. This ensures swift and appropriate care for family members as soon as the need arises. Everything around us is evolving; no one can predict how the next moment will turn out, making it essential to appoint a health care surrogate.
A health care surrogate designation is a legal document that allows a person to become your surrogate under the unforeseen circumstances of an individual becoming incapacitated. In some states, if you give him the authority, he can even act on your behalf, even if you are not incapacitated.
Also, the designation permits your health care to discuss your medical condition with the doctors, handle your medical care-related issues, and make decisions on your behalf when you cannot make any sound judgment due to mental or physical illness.
How to Choose a Health Care Surrogate?
Choosing the best surrogate requires you to take several considerations into account, such as:
Location
The health care surrogate must be available when the need arises, else the whole point of appointing a health care surrogate is in vain. The location of the individual who you want to nominate as your health care is imperative. Ideally, select someone who lives in the vicinity and can rush over to your bedside in the case of an emergency.
Dependable
If you choose someone as your surrogate, he must be trustworthy, honest, and dependable. Cherry-pick someone who will value your wishes even under pressure.
Physically & Mentally Sound
Since the position is all about making complex and sensitive decisions regarding your medical care, the Health Care Surrogate must be physically and mentally sound.
Perseverance
A person with a faint heart cannot execute the duties of a health care effectively. One should be persistent and unwavering when it comes to healthcare-related tough decisions.
Willingness
This is the most crucial aspect that you need to consider while picking a Health Care . The individual must be willing, ready, and available to help you.
While picking a health care surrogate, keep the feelings and emotions at bay and choose a competent individual instead of making an emotionally-driven decision.
Share Your Wishes with Your Health Care Surrogate
It is better to talk to your health care surrogate and let them know about your medical and end-of-life wishes. In case they are unaware of your intentions, they will decide what they find to be in your best interest.
Failure to Execute Could Be Risky
If you don’t appoint any health care , the consequences could be unwanted for you and your loved ones. In the absence of a Health Care, the court may appoint an individual who will decide your health and treatment. Imagine a stranger deciding for you regarding critical medical and life care. Does that sound like something you’d want?
If you would like to know more about the process of choosing a health care, consult with our professional attorney, who will guide you thoroughly through one of the most crucial decisions of your life. For more information, please visit the Kania Elder Law website and discuss your concerns with our attorney.