Health Care Proxy
Ah, my 18th birthday. I remember the day fondly; I am an adult and can do adult things like get selected for jury duty or finally be able to drive from 12 AM – 5 AM (take that, junior operator license!) What I didn’t consider after blowing out my candles is that I make my own decisions now.
Still Calling Mom — But What If She Can’t Step In?
Listen, I’m 26, and you can bet I call my mom anytime an inconvenience happens. Like when AAA left me stranded after my car broke down, or that time I was 99% sure that the pain in my abdomen was my appendix bursting and not the 87 breadsticks I had just eaten at Olive Garden.
Medical Emergencies Aren’t Always Straightforward
But what if it wasn’t the breadsticks and it was my appendix; what would happen if I passed out from the pain and couldn’t articulate that I wanted my appendix out, like yesterday? Generally, my mom could come to my rescue and make that decision on my behalf. However, this situation may not always play out. You throw my partner into the mix, and he has a different interpretation of what I would want.
Now, we have a conflict, and doctors would be less inclined to listen to either, unless they have court authority.
Not only do we have a crisis, but now my loved ones have to go to court where they have to pray the judge thinks they look good enough on paper to make a decision for me. But there is a way to avoid this mess.
Why a Health Care Proxy Is Adulting at Its Finest
I think one of the most adult things someone can do is execute something called a Health Care Proxy. While this may not be the most exciting activity you can do as an adult, it pays for itself in the long run.
What Is a Health Care Proxy, Really?
A Health Care Proxy is a legal document that names someone to make decisions as to your physical body when you can’t. And it’s not limited to end-of-life decisions; it covers everything in between.
Here’s what a Health Care Proxy allows your chosen person to do:
- Make medical decisions when you’re unconscious or incapacitated
- Advocate for the treatment you would want (or wouldn’t want)
- Avoid court involvement by having clear authority to act on your behalf
- Reduce stress and conflict among loved ones in an emergency
- Ensure your personal values and wishes are honored
So, if my breadstick nightmare came to fruition, my mom would be able to make these decisions for me with no push back from the doctor (and would be able to tell my partner “Too bad, so sad” if he tries to butt in).
One Legal Document. One Less Crisis.
If you’re an adult of any age, this document is essential to ensure that you control who speaks on your behalf in a time of crisis. Now, instead of dealing with a medical AND legal crisis, my loved ones only have to handle one crisis, and honestly, that’s more than enough.
Who Do You Trust to Speak for You?
Have you thought about who would make decisions for you if you can’t? Is it your parent, your spouse, or your best friend? Do you have it documented so there is no question? You don’t need to do adulting alone, we’re here to help.
Start Protecting Yourself – No Matter Your Age
Whether you’re freshly 18 or don’t look a day over 35, protecting yourself and creating a plan for your loved ones is top tier adulting. Make the best decision for you and your family. Schedule a Discovery Session today.
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