By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi
September 29, 2023
Hollywood sets are dark at the moment because of the SAG-AFTRA strike, but you can still cast your agent for Power of Attorney for Health Care in your estate plan. Whether you are creating the document for the first time or completing a much-needed update, here are a few traits I think make for a high-quality power of attorney:
- An advocate -- who will champion your needs in today's health care system?
- Comfortable with Medical Jargon -- who will not shy away from medical speak and lingo?
- Follow Your Wishes -- who will speak for you rather than fly into town and start advancing their desires and wishes?
- Has the Time -- who can set aside a large portion of their life to pick-up managing your health care needs?
Once you have this person in mind, and ideally a back-up, figure out if you can audition them for the role. Have they provided this service to another family member or friend? If so, how did it go for them and for the patient? Throughout the years I have had clients return to my office after witnessing the person they had nominated to be their power of attorney for health care provide the service for another person. Sadly, it did not go well, and my client realized they needed to swap out the players.
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| Author's family at a Star Trek Convention, Chicago, 2022 |
Remember, estate planning is about taking control. You, and only you, can make the best determinations about who should be doing what in the area of your health, finances, and ultimate death. A blog is meant to spark thought and discussion, it is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney licensed in your home state for advice specific to your unique situation. Thank you for reading. Receive updates on future posts by clicking Follow in the upper right-hand corner for this page. Be well, and thanks for reading.
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