If you're one of the 20% of Independence, IA, residents who are aged 65 or older, no doubt you're already making plans for the future. None of us wants to imagine that there will be a time when we can't make healthcare decisions for ourselves. But if that time does come, a healthcare proxy can ensure your wishes are still carried out.
A healthcare proxy is also called a medical power of attorney. The main reason to get one? Peace of mind.
In this article, we will explore why a healthcare proxy is a critical component of advance care planning and how it can help your family members if and when the time comes for healthcare decision-making.
Every senior should undertake advance care planning. This involves making decisions about future medical treatment and even end-of-life decisions in case you become incapacitated. By means of a healthcare proxy, you can nominate someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you when you no longer have the capacity to make them yourself.
As the Iowa Bar Association explains, since 1991, Iowans have been able to appoint an attorney to make medical and healthcare decisions for them. It replaced an earlier system of guardianship and means your loved one can make decisions without court supervision.
Recent federal law updates now require medical facilities to inform patients of their right to sign a living will or healthcare proxy before admission.
It's true that none of us like to think about becoming seriously ill in the future. However, many of us have strongly held beliefs and preferences when it comes to healthcare. Plus, we all want to make life easier for our loved ones.
Healthcare proxies make life easier for everyone and help ensure our wishes are carried out.
The family members of Independence seniors who do not have a healthcare proxy face many challenges when trying to make medical choices for their loved ones. At times, courts may have to intervene. This is not only stressful for the family but can also delay medical decision-making and necessary treatments.
Appointing a healthcare proxy you trust is the best way to show kindness to your family and ensure your wishes are carried out.
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, 80% of adults aged 50-80 have spiritual beliefs that are important to them. Of this number, 19% reported that their religious beliefs impacted their healthcare choices. Whether you have treasured religious beliefs that impact your views on healthcare and end-of-life decisions or not, appointing a healthcare proxy still makes sense.
The Iowa Bar Association's Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Decisions (healthcare proxy) contains this important statement: "This power is subject to any statement of my desires and any limitations included in this document."
You have the right to attach a statement of your personal choices and desires to your medical power of attorney. This means that whatever happens, your appointed healthcare agent will have to follow your wishes.
This can provide huge peace of mind and help everybody know where they stand.
Healthcare crises are naturally stressful for families. If there is no healthcare proxy, family members may disagree on medical decisions. This can lead to a lot of emotional distress and can escalate into legal battles.
Clearly expressing your wishes in a medical power of attorney and appointing someone to act on your behalf could eliminate this issue. While this will still be a stressful time, everyone will know where they stand. Most importantly, your family members can cooperate to ensure your wishes are carried out.
A medical power of attorney is not just an expression of your wishes. It is a legally recognized document that gives the person you appoint the authority to make decisions on your behalf.
This removes ambiguity and allows doctors to work with your agent to make healthcare decisions. This makes a medical power of attorney one of the most important senior legal documents you can obtain.
You may currently be independent, enjoying life, and have no indications that your health is going to deteriorate. However, life is full of unexpected situations. Sadly, any one of us could unexpectedly have a stroke, sudden accident, or develop dementia.
That's why now is the time to arrange a healthcare proxy. It ensures that a trusted person is in place and can make medical decisions when the time comes. Without one, your family may have to wait for the courts to appoint a guardian before your medical care can be decided.
Estate planning for aging people goes beyond financial matters. It includes planning for future healthcare needs, which may impact finances and how they are used.
Working with your legal representatives to arrange a healthcare proxy can give you just as much peace of mind as arranging your will and other financial affairs.
Choosing the right healthcare proxy is a big decision. Some questions to consider include:
Once you have found the right person, work with a respected attorney with experience in this area of law. Create a document outlining your healthcare preferences.
Once it has been signed, give copies to:
Having a healthcare proxy can help you get on with the important business of enjoying life with peace of mind. Another great way to improve your tranquility is to join the carefree community at Prairie Hills Independence Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Say goodbye to the stresses of maintaining your own home and get on with enjoying your golden years. Our assisted living and memory care communities emphasize enjoyment while providing the helping hand you need.
Come and see our community for yourself. Contact us to arrange a tour today!