By Jennifer Walsh, M.D., Associate Medical Director, Utilization Management, Independent Health
According to the results of a 2018 national survey conducted by The Conversation Project, 92 percent of people say that talking to their loved ones about end-of-life care is important to them, but only 32 percent have actually done it. Similarly, 82 percent of people believe that it’s important to put their wishes in writing, but only 23 percent of them have done it.
With National Healthcare Decisions Day being observed on April 16, we encourage you to complete a health care proxy form this month. By doing so, you will be able to appoint someone to act as your health care agent for medical decisions and speak on your behalf if you are unable to due to illness or injury.
A health care proxy isn’t just for older people or those facing serious illnesses and surgeries. Everyone over the age of 18 should appoint a health care agent. You can also use your health care proxy form to cite what types of treatments you would or would not want. For example, you could say, “If I am in a coma with no hope of recovery, I do not want to receive artificial nutrition provided by feeding tubes.”
Choosing the right health care agent
When designating your health care agent, select someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend. Talk with them to make sure they are willing to take on this responsibility. If they agree to act as your agent, share with them your thoughts, beliefs and preferences about how you would want to be treated for the remainder of your life.
If you don’t have a health care agent, family members may disagree about the types of medical care you would want and should receive. Completing a health care proxy form can prevent confusion and help your family and friends make health care decisions for you during an already stressful time.
It’s easy to complete
Although a health care proxy is a legal document, you don’t need to see a lawyer to complete it. Your signature on the form just needs to be witnessed by two adults other than your agent. Once you have completed and signed your health care proxy, give a copy to your health care agent and primary care doctor. You may also want to provide a copy to close family members and even carry a copy with you.
The health care proxy becomes effective only when you become unable to make decisions, as determined by a physician. Until then, you continue to be in charge of making your own health care decisions. Plus, you always have the right while competent to revoke your health care proxy and sign a new one.
Health care proxy forms are available at most doctors’ offices and hospitals. You can also download one by visiting the Independent Health website.
