Prepare for the inevitable Health Emergency-Part II

 

When a major health issue arises there is often no time to prepare. It leaves us vulnerable to the decisions of others.  We can prepare for these times by discussing our wishes with at least two of our loved ones.  The reason I recommend two individuals be made aware of your wishes is that there is a possibility that you will be with one of these individuals who may also require emergency services and not be able to give directives for you. 

 

 

Below are some of the activities which will help to ensure your wishes are followed:

·         Think about your healthcare wishes carefully to determine exactly what you do and don’t want done if you are in a serious health situation

·         Choose your two representatives carefully and involve them in your plans; the person(s) you choose will be responsible for making decisions about your healthcare.  It is advisable that you choose one primary person and name a secondary person if the primary person is not available.

·         Discuss your wishes with your loved ones and your representatives

·         Obtain a “Healthcare Power of Attorney” form.  This form is often specific to the state in which you live in.  If you google healthcare power of attorney form for your state you will find a number of sites with this form.  Additionally, this form is often available at your Doctor’s office or your local hospital.  You just have to ask.  I suggest that you get 2 forms so you have one to plan on and the second to act as your final copy.

·         Fill out this form and remember that although each section has specific instructions, you may cross out a section you don’t agree with and write your precise desires.

·         Once the form is completed it is recommended that you sign it and date the form in front of a public notary.  Many banks have a notary and the services are often free or require a nominal fee.

·         Once the form is completed and notarized, keep a copy in a safe place in your home and/or in your bank box. Provide a copy to your attorney and a copy to your primary provider.  Also provide a copy of this form to both of your chosen representatives. 

·         Advise your representatives to keep this form in a safe place as they may need to provide it to the hospital or facility that you are admitted to.  This form is then kept in your medical file for the duration of your hospital or facility (i.e.:  nursing home or rehabilitation facility) stay.

It is important to note the difference between the Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will.  The Living Will is limited to your deathbed concerns only.  It is used to declare your desire to or not to have life prolonging measures when there is no hope of recovery.  The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare covers all health care decisions and is active only when you are incapable of making decisions for yourself.  You can, however direct your healthcare power of attorney designee(s) how you would like them to act in regards to your deathbed issues within the scope of your Healthcare Power of Attorney. You may want both forms as the Living Will generally covers the do not resuscitate directives but does not deal with important medical concerns you may have leading up to this point in time.  Some facilities and hospitals may accept the forms you have written, but may also require their own specific forms during an inpatient stay. 

This is the second article concerning Healthcare delegation.  The first one was very general identifying the actions you may want to consider.  The next post will lay out some links on the internet that may provide you with additional resources and ideas regarding you plans for your future healthcare management.