A Health Care Power of Attorney is a means by which you can appoint another person who, if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions pertaining to your medical treatment for yourself, will step in and make those decisions in your stead. This can prevent uncertainty, disagreement and confusion in the midst of an emotion-laden healthcare crisis or a long-term illness. If your incapacity is temporary, you will assume full control over the decision-making process as soon as you are able.
A Health Care Power of Attorney may substitute or be an addition to your Living Will, which provides written instructions regarding what medical interventions are or are not acceptable in a terminal illness. It is a good idea to have both in place, as situations may arise that are not covered by your Living Will, and having a person monitoring your treatment allows decisions to be made as your illness progresses and your needs change. You can decide what types of decisions to include in your Health Care Power of Attorney and reserve others for yourself. For example, you can give your healthcare representative the right to make day-to-day care decisions but not to allow the use of a feeding tube or to allow you to be resuscitated if your heart stops (in a terminal illness).
You may select a spouse, adult child, friend, or significant other to grant a Health Care Power of Attorney. You should have an in-depth discussion with this person before you make this important decision to make sure he or she is willing to put your wishes first regardless of personal feelings. You should also make sure you select someone with the emotional stability to make difficult decisions in a crisis and to stand firm in the face of opposition if your choices differ from the recommendations of your physician or the beliefs of other members of your family.
Ask your lawyer about having a combination of advance directives, including a general Durable Power of Attorney, a Living Will, and a Durable Health Care Power of Attorney.
In Atlantic and Cape May Counties, you can get the expert legal guidance you need to help you through the process. Call the offices of KingBarnes today. Our compassionate and experienced firm has 50 years of combined experience helping New Jersey citizens plan for the future through expert estate planning and preparation of advance directives. We have offices located near you in North Wildwood, Marmora and Egg Harbor Township.
