The senior population across the United States has increased to more than 54 million people since 2019. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Americans 65 and older will rise to 80.8 million by 2040.
As people age, their health care needs increase. Seniors deal with chronic and acute medical conditions that can land them in the hospital unexpectedly. A health care proxy will ensure that your medical treatment preferences are honored if you cannot express them yourself.
What Is a Health Care Proxy?
A health care proxy is a person you appoint to make medical decisions if you lose consciousness, or your physical or mental health has deteriorated so much that you cannot express your wishes for medical treatment. You name a health care proxy in a document called an advance directive.
Naming a health care proxy is important because having an agent before you fall ill helps protect patient autonomy. If you do not have a health care proxy, your family will have to guess about your preferences for medical treatment, or worse, your preferences will be ignored altogether.
Who Should I Name as My Health Care Proxy?
Typically, seniors have their spouse, children, other family members, or trusted friends act as their agents. Your health care proxy should carefully follow your instructions and not be influenced by others. A good health care proxy should also possess the following qualities:
Trustworthiness
Commitment to following through on your wishes
Careful attention to detail
Excellent communication skills
Knowledge of your medical condition and history
When Do I Need an Advance Directive?
It is prudent to have an advance directive as a part of your estate plan. You should complete an advance directive before you are incapacitated.
An advance directive is a document a person uses to record their medical treatment preferences for lifesaving care. An advance directive becomes a part of your medical record, and it is only used in an emergency or for lifesaving care.
Seniors should get an advance directive as soon as possible. Older people are at higher risk of chronic and acute diseases that could lead to medical emergencies. If you suffer from one or more of the following illnesses, you also should consider drafting an advance directive:
Type 2 Diabetes
Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease
Cancer
Hypertension
Kidney Disease/Kidney Failure
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Heart Disease
How Do I Get an Advance Directive?
Every state across the country allows a version of an advance directive, although the document may have a different name depending on the state where you live. Advance directives are sometimes called living wills, medical directives, or durable power of attorney.
Some states have a standard form it requires people to complete and will serve as their advance directive. Other states allow people to draft their own document. If you complete a standardized form or have an attorney draft an original document, make sure you review it thoroughly to ensure it correctly reflects your wishes.
Speak to an elder law attorney in your area to learn how to complete an advance directive.
The senior population across the United States has increased to more than 54 million people since 2019. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Americans 65 and older will rise to 80.8 million by 2040.
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