What is a Health Care Proxy?

A Health Care Proxy is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone, called your health care agent, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated. This agent can consult with medical professionals and decide on treatments, surgeries, and other critical interventions based on your preferences.

The article also explores the unique needs of families, such as ensuring college-bound children over 18 have a Health Care Proxy in place to empower parents or guardians to make decisions during a medical crisis.

Why Sharon Residents Need a Health Care Proxy

Whether due to an accident, illness, or age-related decline, having a Health Care Proxy ensures that your wishes are honored, family conflict is avoided, and stress is minimized during a health crisis. Appointing a clear decision-maker prevents disputes among loved ones to make decisions aligned with your values and beliefs. Thus, your family won’t have to make difficult medical decisions on your behalf without guidance.

“Planning ahead with a Health Care Proxy is one of the most compassionate decisions you can make for your family,” explains Estate Planning Attorney Artika Angel of Estate & Elder Law Advisory. “Our goal is to provide Sharon residents with the tools and guidance they need to safeguard their healthcare wishes, ensuring peace of mind for everyone involved.”

How Do You Choose an Agent for Medical Decision-Making?

Angel explains in the article that it’s crucial to carefully consider your choice of agent and discuss your treatment preferences with them beforehand. You can also include specific instructions on the form about treatments you want to receive or avoid, as well as any limitations on your agent’s authority. An alternate agent should also be named to step in if your primary agent is unavailable.

Why Consult an Estate Planning Attorney to Create a Health Care Proxy?

An estate planning attorney can tailor a Health Care Proxy to individual circumstances and ensure it is legally enforceable as well as avoid common pitfalls that occur when people use online forms. An attorney will also help with selecting a trusted individual to act as a health care agent, including naming alternate agents, and ensure that your selected individuals are authorized to serve for you when needed.

About Estate & Elder Law Advisory

Founded in 2011 by Attorney Artika Angel, Estate & Elder Law Advisory is a leading estate planning and elder law firm with offices in Sharon, Wellesley, and Brighton Massachusetts, committed to protecting what matters most to you: your family, your assets, and your legacy. Dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of services tailored to each individual’s unique needs, Estate & Elder Law Advisory focuses on estate planning, elder law, probate and trust administration, long-term care planning, estate tax return preparation, MassHealth application assistance, business organizations, and succession planning.