Healthcare Representatives
Your healthcare representative and your backup representative are the people you appoint to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to speak for yourself. This could be a short-term situation, such as temporary unconsciousness or being under anesthesia or it could be long term, such as the loss of competence due to dementia. Different US states use different terminology for describing a healthcare representative, such as healthcare power of attorney (POA), agent, surrogate, or proxy, but the basic idea is the same.
Appointing a healthcare representative is extremely important. The National Institute on Aging (part of the National Institute of Health) has good information on the role of a healthcare representative.
The form to appoint your healthcare representative is typically included with your state’s advance directive form. CaringInfo.org provides state-specific forms you can download.
Your closest loved one is not always the best choice for this responsibility. This chart from the American Bar Association can help you evaluate who might be a good healthcare representative for you.
Being a Healthcare Representative
Making medical decisions for another person is challenging. Here is an excellent guide to a healthcare representative’s responsibilities and authorities. Be aware, this website is a business; we don’t know anything about their product, we just like the information.
Hiring a Healthcare Representative
In the modern world, families are scattered across the globe and if you live long enough, many of your family members and friends may have died or be elderly or infirm themselves. If you don’t have someone you can ask to be your healthcare representative, there are a few options for hiring someone to be your healthcare representative.
The following organizations have directories of healthcare advocates:
The following organizations also have directories that might be helpful:
While outside the scope of what death doulas typically do, you may be able to hire a doula. These organizations have directories:
