Creating your estate plan means that you have to think about things like who you want to get your assets after you pass away, but you can’t neglect others like who will make decisions about your medical care if you’re incapacitated. The healthcare power of attorney is the person who can step in to protect your interests.
Choosing the right person to name as the healthcare power of attorney is important. There are several considerations that you need to think about as you make this decision.
Ability to follow your instructions
The person you choose should be able to follow your instructions. They can’t think about their own wishes. Instead, they have to comply with your wishes. This individual works with your medical care team, and they must comply with any advanced directives, which are written instructions that you set.
Ability to understand necessary concepts
Making decisions about medical care can be challenging, so it’s critical that the person you name is able to understand the necessary concepts. This can help them to make decisions that are in your best interests when the matter isn’t covered in the advance directives.
Making sure that you have things set up in case you become incapacitated can help to ease the strain on your loved ones. This is only one small part of your estate plan, so be sure you consider the other necessary components. Working with someone who can help you determine how to lawfully relay your wishes might be beneficial.
