Post by Beth on Mar 16, 2020 16:59:17 GMT
I'm writing to share a little information about how you can create a healthcare proxy, which designates who makes decisions for you, and what you want, in the event that you become unable to do so yourself.
A template form, if you're not familiar, is available here: link
It's a good idea to have one of these anyway, as it helps insure that if you do get ill enough to have difficulty communicating or making decisions, that the person or persons making decisions for you will be the person you want. The template I've shared is just a model, you can edit it and make your own document. Keep in mind that you can designate a backup -- someone who will be your proxy if your first proxy is unavailable. My medical power of attorney has 3 people -- the first is primary, but if she's unavailable, then it goes to the 2nd, and then to the third.
You can use language like: "If my designated agent is unavailable, then I designate ______________ as my second healthcare proxy" (and then fill in that person's contact information). "And then, if both my primary and secondary healthcare proxy are unavailable, then I designate ___________ as my third healthcare proxy."
Once you've completed your power of attorney, email copies to friends and family, and to your primary care provider, and any other healthcare providers who you see regularly, and keep a copy printed out in whatever luggage or bag might accompany you if you were to go to the hospital.
Note that when you sign a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney, at least one, and ideally two people should witness and sign that they witnessed your signature, and they should not be the same people designated as your proxy.
A template form, if you're not familiar, is available here: link
It's a good idea to have one of these anyway, as it helps insure that if you do get ill enough to have difficulty communicating or making decisions, that the person or persons making decisions for you will be the person you want. The template I've shared is just a model, you can edit it and make your own document. Keep in mind that you can designate a backup -- someone who will be your proxy if your first proxy is unavailable. My medical power of attorney has 3 people -- the first is primary, but if she's unavailable, then it goes to the 2nd, and then to the third.
You can use language like: "If my designated agent is unavailable, then I designate ______________ as my second healthcare proxy" (and then fill in that person's contact information). "And then, if both my primary and secondary healthcare proxy are unavailable, then I designate ___________ as my third healthcare proxy."
Once you've completed your power of attorney, email copies to friends and family, and to your primary care provider, and any other healthcare providers who you see regularly, and keep a copy printed out in whatever luggage or bag might accompany you if you were to go to the hospital.
Note that when you sign a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney, at least one, and ideally two people should witness and sign that they witnessed your signature, and they should not be the same people designated as your proxy.