Keys to Being a Health Care Proxy

Being a health care proxy can be one of the most serious responsibilities conferred upon you.  This power to make medical decisions for your loved ones in case he or she cannot, encompasses talking with your loved one’s medical tam about treatment choices and deciding on a course of action.  It may also entail making end-of-life decisions.  Below are some guidelines in taking on such massive responsibilities:

• Be able to say no. You do not always have to be someone’s health care proxy if they ask.  “It may be hard enough coping, even without the added responsibilities of making health care decisions.  But it is an important way to help someone you care about.”
• Understand the lingo. There are three kinds of health care proxies: agent, surrogate and guardian.  In all cases, a proxy is a person who can make health care decisions for someone else.
• Talk it over. “Spend time discussing the wishes of the individual at the time you agree to serve as the agent.  Discuss religious and moral beliefs to know how they would make decisions on medical care.  Do not be afraid to address the issues.”
• Get access to records. You should have access to your loved one’s medical records and any information you need about the patient’s health or health care.  Ask for clear explanations so you can understand the patient’s medical condition and what treatment options are available.

See Pamela Yip, Learn Your Loved One’s End-of-Life Wishes While You Can, Dallas News, Oct. 3, 2014.