Estate lawyers help clients protect their legacy and ensure their end-of-life wishes are respected. There are many ways to prepare fully for the future, including by designating a health care proxy. It’s important to understand how health care proxies work and how they differ from related methods of planning, like living wills and powers of attorney. Below is an introduction to health care proxies and why it’s wise to appoint one. 

A Guide to Health Care Proxies

What Health Care Proxies Do 

A health care proxy is a document designating someone to act on your behalf for health-related decisions in the event you’re unable to make them yourself due to age or incapacity.

You’re able to prepare this document at any time, even if you’re perfectly well, so you’ll be ready for every contingency. In some circumstances, a medical professional will have to officially deem you incapacitated before your proxy will act on your behalf. 

Unless you specify otherwise in the document, your chosen proxy will have access to your medical records and other sensitive materials. You have the option of setting limits on your proxy’s powers and access to information. If you’re unsure how to do so, an estate lawyer will help.  

Choosing a Proxy 

Decisions about medical care are of utmost importance, so you’ll want to appoint a proxy who will honor your wishes. Before naming someone to take on this sensitive role, be sure to tell them. Provide them with detailed information about what types of medical care you do and don’t want to receive and under what conditions. Consider a health care proxy to be an added level of protection for your health and future. 

The Difference Between Health Care Proxies, Living Wills, & Powers of Attorney

A living will is a document detailing your preferences regarding medical treatment. It doesn’t appoint anyone in particular to enforce those preferences. A power of attorney is an authority you grant for someone to handle legal and financial affairs, not necessarily health care decisions. Your proxy will make medical care decisions for you, but it’s the power of attorney who pays for that medical care. For this reason, many estate lawyers advise their clients to minimize potential conflicts by appointing the same person for both responsibilities.

Health care proxies are important components of your overall estate planning. When it comes time to draw up the necessary plans, trust the estate lawyers at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. For 130 years, they’ve represented clients in Hudson Valley, NY, in a number of practice areas, including estate law and planning, elder law issues, and civil and commercial litigation. Call (845) 343-3000 or visit them online to arrange a free consultation, and start getting the peace of mind that comes with a health care proxy.