Seventy percent of Americans will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, yet many don’t have a plan in place for who will make medical decisions if they can’t. It’s an uncomfortable thought and one that too often gets pushed aside until a crisis forces families to make difficult choices under pressure.
Without a healthcare proxy, loved ones may struggle with uncertainty, legal obstacles, or even disputes over the right course of action. No one wants their medical wishes left up to chance. Whether it’s an unexpected hospitalization or a progressive illness, having a trusted person ready to step in can make all the difference.
This article breaks down why a healthcare proxy is essential for seniors and their families, how to choose the right person, and the steps to put one in place.
What Is a Healthcare Proxy?
A healthcare proxy is a legal document that gives a trusted person the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of a senior who can no longer do so. This can happen due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline. It’s like appointing a power of attorney for healthcare.
The designated individual, often called a healthcare agent or representative, steps in when a senior is unable to express their wishes.
Unlike a living will, which outlines medical preferences in advance, a healthcare proxy allows a chosen individual to make real-time decisions based on the situation at hand. It offers flexibility and ensures that medical care aligns with a senior’s values and current health needs.
A healthcare proxy only takes effect when a senior is unable to communicate or make decisions. As long as they can express their choices, doctors will follow their instructions. But when a crisis arises, having a healthcare proxy in place ensures that medical decisions are made by someone who understands their wishes.
Why Seniors Should Have a Healthcare Proxy
Medical emergencies can happen suddenly, and long-term conditions can progress over time. A stroke, heart attack, or unexpected hospitalization can leave a senior unable to speak for themselves. Conditions like dementia also impact decision-making abilities, sometimes gradually, making early planning essential.
Without a healthcare proxy, families may struggle with decisions which can lead to unnecessary stress and disagreements. Instead of relying on assumptions, a designated proxy ensures that a senior’s healthcare preferences are followed.
Some benefits of having a healthcare proxy include:
- Clarity in medical decision-making when a senior can no longer express their wishes
- Preventing family disputes by designating a single decision-maker
- Reducing delays in treatment by ensuring someone can make informed choices quickly
- Respecting personal beliefs and values in medical care
How to Choose the Right Healthcare Proxy
Selecting the right healthcare proxy is one of the most important decisions a senior can make. This person will be responsible for making medical choices during critical moments, so they need to be capable, trustworthy, and willing to take on the responsibility.
A good healthcare proxy should be:
- Trustworthy and able to respect a senior’s medical preferences
- Emotionally strong enough to make difficult decisions in stressful situations
- Good at communication to clearly express medical wishes to doctors and caregivers
- Willing to take on the responsibility and be available when needed
A family member is often the first choice, but that may not always be the best option. While a spouse or adult child might seem like the natural choice, they may struggle with making objective decisions in an emotional situation. In some cases, a close friend or legal representative could be a better fit.
Discussing Expectations with the Chosen Proxy
Once a healthcare proxy is selected, an open conversation is necessary. The senior should explain:
- Their medical wishes
- Preferred treatments
- Any religious or ethical beliefs that should guide decisions
This discussion ensures the proxy understands their role and is prepared to follow through when needed.
How to Set Up a Healthcare Proxy
Setting up a healthcare proxy is not difficult, but it does require a few steps. Proper documentation ensures that medical professionals recognize the designated decision-maker. Here are the steps:
- Obtain the correct legal form, which can often be found online or through an attorney
- Choose a healthcare proxy and discuss medical preferences with them
- Sign and notarize the document, as required by South Carolina state law
- Distribute copies to doctors, family members, and care providers
A healthcare proxy is just one part of senior legal planning. Many seniors also create advance directives that outline their healthcare preferences in writing. While the proxy makes real-time decisions, advance directives provide clear guidance on treatments a senior does or does not want.
Once the document is completed, reviewing it every few years is a good idea. A senior’s health situation or relationships may change, and updating the proxy ensures that the right person is always in place.
The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in Summerville
For seniors in assisted living, having a healthcare proxy in place is even more important. When a resident needs medical attention, staff rely on the designated proxy to confirm treatment decisions.
For residents in memory care, a healthcare proxy plays a key role in end-of-life planning. Conditions like Alzheimer’s progress over time, making it essential to have someone who can make decisions when a senior can no longer do so.
At TerraBella Summerville, we prioritize communication between families, residents, and healthcare proxies. Our team in Summerville assists with medication management.
The First Step Toward Better Planning
A healthcare proxy ensures that a senior’s medical decisions are in the hands of someone they trust. From outlining preferences to avoiding unnecessary stress during emergencies, having the right person designated is an essential part of planning for the future.
At TerraBella Summerville, we understand how important it is for seniors to feel secure and supported. Our compassionate caregivers, engaging lifestyle programs, and personalized care plans allow residents to focus on enjoying their days with confidence. Whether it’s our chef-prepared dining, wellness classes, or peaceful courtyard spaces, we offer a setting where seniors can thrive.
Schedule a tour today and see how we can support your family’s needs in Summerville, SC.
