Preparing for Future Healthcare Needs

Many people assume that their family members would automatically be able to make decisions about medical treatments if they were to become incapacitated. However, rules vary greatly from state to state. In some cases, decisions are left up to healthcare providers and institutions in charge of your care unless you have appointed someone as your legal representative. If the decision falls to your family, they may not all agree on the best course of action. For these reasons, it’s important to have a plan to avoid disagreements around treatment issues and ensure your wishes are honored. Here are different types of documents that can help you prepare for your future healthcare needs:

Healthcare proxy: a document that names someone you trust as your proxy, or agent, to express your wishes and make healthcare decisions for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

Living will: a written record of the type of medical care you would want in specified circumstances.

Advance directive: often refers to a combination of the living will and healthcare proxy documents. If you have an advance directive, be sure to give those documents to the hospital each time you are admitted.

Power of attorney: a document that names someone you trust as your agent to make property, financial, and other legal decisions on your behalf.

Call your local SHIP (state health insurance assistance program) counselor, Lynn Hixon, or the Senior Rx coordinator, DiAnne Callahan, for prescription drug assistance at the DeKalb County Council on Aging at 256-845-8590.