Choosing a Healthcare Proxy

When you need someone to talk to you during a medical crisis, you have the right to choose a lawyer or a medical healthcare proxy. When choosing a proxy, there are many things to think about.

You want to choose someone who will have his best interests at heart. Pick someone who speaks for you the way you would speak to you if you can and you will have the same characteristics as you when it comes to health decisions. Usually, there is only one health proxy at a time, but a backup person is always useful.

Here are some features that you should look for when choosing a healthcare proxy.

• It is important to choose someone who you trust with your life. During a medical crisis, this person may very well hold your life in their hands. If you know you have your interest, would be a good candidate for a health care proxy.

• Choose someone who will be at your disposal in the future. You want a proxy that will be available to you now and for the foreseeable future. You never know when a health crisis arise, so you want someone who will be in your life for a long time.

• You can talk to this person highly sensitive issues? You want someone as a proxy that you can talk about very personal issues. Should listen and agree with your wishes and do everything in their power to ensure that your wishes are met.

• Can your lawyer still gritty when needed? It is good to choose someone who can stand up for doctors were other health care providers when they go against your will. The proxy’s job is to make sure they speak up for you when you can speak for themselves. Make sure the person you choose has the personality to do it.

• Can your get proxy to you when needed? Make sure you choose someone that lives near you or could travel to get to you, if necessary. If they don’t, at least must be available by phone for anything that may come with your condition.

• Is your proxy over 18 years? By law, they must be.

• The proxy cannot be any of your health care providers or employees of your healthcare providers.

You should speak carefully with the proxy your desires, hopes and fears. Say exactly what authority you are giving them over your health decisions. Be very clear about what you expect from them and make sure they know which will be the record with all your health care providers. Good luck!

Tiffany Matthews, aka “Healthebooklady”, is an author, social worker, burgeoning healthcare Attorney and speaker. She is the founder and CEO of better living Boomers!, a defense firm that teaches health Boomers and others how to get the best healthcare through advocating for themselves.

She wrote one line of information including e-books and upcoming online courses on topics including medication management, advance directives, navigate your stay in hospital and dealing with a difficult diagnosis.