When thinking about the possibility of a time when you cannot make medical decisions for yourself, you may start to panic.
Choosing someone to be your health care proxy means giving them the power to make important medical decisions for you in a crisis, including being able to look at your private information. Knowing some meaningful traits and qualifications may help you pick someone who is right for the job.
Think about stress and pressure
According to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, it is never too early to begin seriously thinking about this choice. When picking someone, you should consider how calm and prepared they are in emergency situations.
If they are prone to panicking or dislike making quick decisions, it could help you to pick someone else for this role.
Think about your wishes
Whether or not this person understands and respects your medical wishes is important. If someone would make decisions you would disapprove of in your place, that choice may not be the right one for you.
While a family member or spouse are common options, you can also choose a friend or someone who is not related to you. This may help if those people closest to you would have emotional barriers to following what you want or making tough choices.
Think about confidence
This person will have to ask hard questions and speak up in front of doctors and medical professionals. Picking someone who has the confidence and focus to evaluate the situation and not shy away from making a decision is key.
Choosing a health care proxy can help give you peace of mind, especially when you take into consideration how direct and respectful this person is.
