A health care power of attorney is a legal document that names a person to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to. If you were involved in an accident and are unconscious, for example, your healthcare power of attorney can decide between treatments and whether to place you on life support. If you’re unfamiliar with this option for estate planning, here’s everything you need to know about it. 

What a Power of Attorney Does

A living will only applies if there is very little chance that you might recover and be able to make decisions for yourself. This means that if you’re temporarily incapacitated due to an accident or illness, the hospital may make decisions for you even if you have this type of document. 

A health care power of attorney allows you to choose someone you know to make decisions on your behalf in these situations. This person will be referred to as your health care agent, and can choose what types of treatments should be administered if you’re unconscious. This person should be an adult you trust and who knows you well enough to understand what you may have wanted. You can also designate a backup agent to act if the primary person can’t be located or is unwilling to speak up.

Why Everyone Should Have One

You may think you’ll only need a power of attorney in your later years, when more severe sicknesses tend to arise. However, events like a heart attack, traumatic head injury, or stroke can happen to people at any age. You don’t want to be left unable to make your own medical decisions in these situations.

If you have no existing health care power of attorney, doctors could also pass the responsibility over to your next of kin— usually a spouse or child. In this case, especially if you have multiple children, family members could end up arguing about what to do. Having an agent you entrusted with this decision will prevent this type of stress on your loved ones and simplify the process, ensuring you get prompt care.

For help drafting a legally binding power of attorney in the area of Sanford County, NC, turn to Stephenson & Stephenson, PA. Founded in 1984, this firm has seasoned professionals who provide each client with individualized attention. Whether you need a real estate attorney or want help with planning your estate, they’ll be happy to provide counsel. Learn more about their work with estates and wills online or call (919) 774-6182 to schedule an appointment.