As a part of creating an estate plan for your future in Massachusetts, you have selected someone to act as a health care proxy on your behalf. Considerable time and thought have been taken in your effort to choose someone who you trust to make the types of decisions that you would want to be made if you are ever incapacitated. At Curley Law Firm LLP, we have experience helping people coordinate a customized estate plan that coordinates with their personal needs and desires.
Choosing someone to act as a health care proxy on your behalf is only the beginning of your efforts in this endeavor. From here, it is essential that you provide adequate information about your desires for medical treatment, as well as any potential health issues you may encounter, to help him or her to be confident in the responsibilities you have asked them to undertake. Your ability to effectively dictate your desires is also critical to your proxy’s being able to act with confidence and authority when it is required that he or she stand in on important decisions related to your health and well-being.
According to Psychology Today, preparing your proxy to act on your behalf can be more effective when you talk with him or her individually about your medical history. Consider asking your doctor for a copy of your chart to help your proxy visualize your unique medical needs. If you wish to have a say on the types of facilities including their location or specialty areas, it is important to inform your proxy of these desires as well.
When you and your health care proxy have open communication about your requests, both of you can feel more at peace with the decisions that are going to be made. For more information about creating an estate plan, visit our web page.