A medical power of attorney is a document that you can use to make sure that your wishes are actually carried out if you become incapacitated or are near the end of your life. The document simply gives this power to another person, naming them as your agent. They can then make choices for you and take other steps that would have been legally prohibited if this medical power of attorney wasn’t created.
Of course, if you’re going to be signing away the ability to make your own medical decisions, you want to make sure that you’ve chosen the right person to give that power to. Here are some qualities to look for.
1. Someone who cares about your best interests
Often, family members are selected because you know that they are going to truly care about your best interests and the best interests of the family. You need to trust them to make the right decisions, and you have to believe in their decision-making ability.
2. Someone who understands the situation
Additionally, medical situations can be very complicated. Not everyone is in a position to fully grasp all of the choices or decisions that they have to make. The person that you choose needs to be able to work with your medical team smoothly and understand what you need.
3. Someone who agrees to do it
Finally, there are many people who may care about you and understand your situation, but for whom it would be too hard to make medical decisions. You always want to ensure that your agent is willing and able before you choose them.
After you decide who to pick, then you just need to know what steps to take to set it up.