Proxy is a term that you may hear often lately. When it comes to healthcare, you need someone to be your representative when you can’t make any decision. Their primary task is to decide for you.
A task as a proxy is more than just making decisions for others. They also must be knowledgeable on the issue to understand what are the best course and how the patient will go. They also need to be readily available at hand to make the required decisions.
How to Choose a Proxy
When choosing a proxy, you must ensure that they will protect your best interest. They must be someone who understands your way of thinking and will think in your shoes when you can’t. The National Health Service puts the warning that a proxy must be someone who will speak for you when you can’t.
A prime example is when you are in a coma for several days and the doctors are offering new approaches to solve your situation. Your proxy will be the one responsible for deciding on your behalf.
A proxy doesn’t have to be your family or spouse. But you must notify them first about your decision. And if they refuse the request, you must look at your other options. What you can’t do is to assign two people as your proxy because it will only complicate things.
What If Someone Asks You To Be Their Proxy?
Although uncommon, someone can get a proxy as soon as they reach 21 years old. And because a proxy needs to receive notification first, they will come to you and ask you to help them.
Remember that you will be responsible for their health and overall well-being in the future. You may accept or refuse the request since it’s your prerogative. However, when you agree to be one, you must remember that you are doing the best you can.
Proxy vs Living Will vs Power Of Attorney
Most people conflate the terms and think that they are the same. However, each is a different document with different purposes and functions.
A living will is a document that addresses your family members or facilities regarding decisions in your life. For example, a patient with terminal cancer might choose to get euthanasia when they feel like they have given up.
A proxy is a document where you appoint someone to decide for you when you’re unable to do so. Most proxies are parents or spouses because of their closeness.
The power of attorney is the document where you appoint someone to make the financial decision regarding your life. They can’t make any healthcare decisions, but they may have the power to make any decisions after your passing or decapitating medical decisions.
As you understand more about the healthcare proxy and what it does, you also understand all of the responsibilities. It’s not an easy task, and you may have to learn more about healthcare in the process.