When it comes to taking important decisions in life, almost all of us get confused. Especially when it comes to taking decisions about our health. As once you have decided your health, chances are that you won’t be able to reverse it. That is why it is very crucial to make the right choice at the right time. However, not everybody is in a position to decide on their health and that is where the concept of healthcare proxy comes in.
As the name itself suggests, a proxy is a person that takes up a decision about your health on your behalf. It is a huge responsibility as the person involved is responsible for making some of the most difficult decisions in a person’s life. The position of healthcare proxy comes with a legal form that helps the doctors and other medical staff members to understand that there is a person who has been picked to make the decisions about the patient’s life.
In many cases, the decision of picking a proxy for healthcare can save a person’s life. There are many factors one should consider before picking a proxy and we’re here to help you figure it out.
Here are 6 things that will come in handy while picking someone as your healthcare proxy. Keep reading.
1. They should be familiar
The person you are picking must know you in and out. They should be aware of your past ailments, allergies, and more so, so that they can help out the medical staff to treat you right. In many cases, even a small allergy can turn fatal, which is why your proxy should be well aware of your bodily conditions and the right treatment required to cure it.
2. They should be available
The biggest factor is that person should be available to make the decision. If the person you have picked is a nomad or likes to live without connection, you can’t rely on him/her. It should be someone who is always a phone call away and can be there for you when you need him/her in a short notice.
3. They should have the willingness to help
Before you pick someone to be your trusted proxy, that person should be equally invested in the decision. If this decision is one-sided, it can go wrong. The proxy should be willing to take up the responsibilities and vouch for you whenever needed. Make sure that you explain the role and responsibilities before picking up the person for the role.
4. They should understand your boundaries
Many religious communities have strict rules that get in the way of medical treatments. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not supposed to get blood transfusions in any way or form. If that’s the case with a person, the assigned essential proxy must be aware of the same and guide the medical staff to follow the religious sentiment of the patient.
5. They should be of the right age
Legally, almost everywhere, the age of the health care proxy must be above 18. That means the person should at least be an adult. Anyone who is under the age of 18 may not have the right experience or capability to become a healthcare proxy to anyone.
6. They should be calm and composed
Before you pick someone, you must pick a person who remains calm in a situation of panic. A health crisis can leave anyone stressed and that anxiety leads to a bad decision. A health proxy should be a person that keeps their mind in place in tough times and is able to make the right decision.
Conclusion
Choosing a healthcare proxy can help you to have more control over your medical decisions even when you are not in a position to speak up or decide. It is a legal contract between two people that is recognized by the medical community, so whosoever you pick has a lot of responsibility. Make the choice based on facts, instead of emotions. Let us know who’s going for you.
