What Is an Advance Healthcare Proxy?
An Advance Healthcare Proxy is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint another person, known as a healthcare proxy or healthcare agent, to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves.
This document helps ensure that healthcare decisions reflect the individual’s wishes when they are seriously ill, unconscious, or otherwise unable to participate in medical decision-making.
Why an Advance Healthcare Proxy Matters
Unexpected medical emergencies can happen at any age. Having an Advance Healthcare Proxy in place helps reduce uncertainty for family members and healthcare providers by clearly identifying the person authorized to make medical decisions when necessary.
It also helps ensure that medical care aligns with the individual’s preferences and values.
What Decisions Can a Healthcare Proxy Make?
The authority granted depends on state laws and the individual’s wishes, but a healthcare proxy may be authorized to make decisions about:
- Medical treatments
- Surgical procedures
- Hospitalization
- Life-sustaining treatments
- Artificial nutrition and hydration
- Pain management
- Rehabilitation services
- Long-term care options
- Hospice or palliative care
Who Should Be Chosen as a Healthcare Proxy?
A healthcare proxy should be someone who:
- Understands your values and healthcare preferences.
- Can remain calm during stressful situations.
- Is willing to communicate with healthcare providers.
- Can make decisions based on your wishes rather than their own preferences.
- Is likely to be available if an emergency occurs.
How Home Care Can Support Advance Healthcare Planning
Home care professionals can encourage conversations about advance care planning and help families understand the importance of having healthcare documents readily available. While caregivers do not provide legal advice, they can remind families to keep important documents accessible and ensure healthcare providers are aware of their existence when appropriate.
Home Care Tip for Families
Review your Advance Healthcare Proxy regularly, especially after major life events or changes in health. Make sure your chosen healthcare proxy understands your wishes and knows where the document is stored.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Advance Healthcare Proxy
Is an Advance Healthcare Proxy the same as a living will?
No. A healthcare proxy appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf, while a living will generally provides written instructions about specific medical treatments you do or do not want.
Can I change my healthcare proxy?
Yes. As long as you have the legal capacity to do so, you can usually update or revoke your Advance Healthcare Proxy according to your state’s legal requirements.
When does a healthcare proxy become effective?
In most cases, a healthcare proxy only begins making decisions if your healthcare provider determines that you are unable to make your own medical decisions.
When to Create an Advance Healthcare Proxy
Every competent adult should consider creating an Advance Healthcare Proxy, regardless of age or current health. Planning ahead helps ensure your healthcare wishes are respected if you are ever unable to communicate them yourself.