What would happen if you were no longer able to care for yourself or make decisions on your own? This could happen through old age or if you suffer from an injury or medical condition. You likely have some idea as to how you would want to be cared for. But, how would others know?
You could help ensure you are cared for by having a power of attorney. A medical power of attorney can act on your behalf to make medical decisions. They may be given this role temporarily after assigning the role or if you are incapacitated.
Your power of attorney should always have your best interests in mind. However, your power of attorney may not know how to care for you if you can not do it yourself. You may need to make it clear what you expect from your power of attorney.
How would you want to be cared for?
Suffering from a medical condition after an accident or illness can be scary. Doctors and nurses may not always know how you would want to be cared for. Your power of attorney can, however. There are a few matters to discuss with your power of attorney.
For example, an important matter to discuss is cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If your heart suddenly stopped beating, would you want to be resuscitated? You could live a longer life after resuscitation. But, you could also suffer from other medical conditions.
Another topic to discuss is life support. Your power of attorney may need to make the decisions to keep you on life support or to take you off. You could make it clear as to how long you would want to stay on life support in the hopes that you recover.
Making your preferences clear to your power of attorney can take time. Legal guidance can help you get your power of attorney in order.