What is a health care proxy?

A health care proxy is a legal document that assigns an authorized individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated or unable to make those decisions yourself. A health care proxy, sometimes referred to as a health care power of attorney, is typically used in Elder Law in Delaware. When assigning a health care proxy, the individual you select will make medical decisions based on your wishes and what your health care providers suggest to be the best course of action. The individual you select to be your health care proxy should be someone you feel comfortable entrusting with the responsibility of making such important decisions. It should also be someone you know will make decisions based on what you would want, rather than what they might think is best for you. The health care proxy document should be kept with your medical paperwork and should include information about the individual you’ve appointed, as well as the specific medical decisions and treatments they are authorized to make. It’s also important that your health care proxy have a copy of your document and understands the responsibility they will have if they need to be involved in decision-making on your behalf. If you’ve been considering assigning a health care proxy, it’s best to consult with an experienced Elder Law attorney in Delaware to ensure your document is properly completed and filed. This will help ensure that your wishes are honored, and that you have the best chance of receiving the care you need in the event of an emergency or if you’re unable to make decisions on your own.

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