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Also known as a Medical Power of Attorney or Health Care Proxy,
The Power of Attorney For Health Care gives a person named by
you the authority to make medical decisions for you if you can't
do so for yourself.
If you're
a caregiver, this document gives you authorization to talk to
medical personnel and to consent to care for your loved
one.
This
document is especially important for you to have for yourself,
too.
Contrary
to what many people believe, a Power of Attorney for Health Care
is not the same as a "Living Will." The Living
Will only comes into play if a person is terminally ill with
little or no hope of recovery.
The
Power of Attorney for Health Care can be used even if the
patient isn't terminally ill. If you are ill or injured and need
someone to talk with doctors or hospitals when you can't, the
Power of Attorney for Health Care will give the person you name
the authority to do that.
Most hospitals,
nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, and many doctors'
offices have blank Power of Attorney for Health Care forms
available. If they participate in Medicare, they are required by
law to have these forms.
Your lawyer can
also write one to handle any special wishes you might have.
Often an attorney can combine a Power of Attorney for Health
Care and a Living Will into one single document for you.
If you already
have a Power of Attorney for Health Care, take a look to see if
it is a "Durable" Power of Attorney. If the word
"durable" isn't there, it's possible that the person
you appoint might only have the authority to act for you as long
as you are not incapacitated. This doesn't do anyone much
good. The "Durable" Power of Attorney for Health Care
will be useful when you are incapacitated, which of
course is when you'll really need it. If you aren't certain,
have your documents reviewed by an attorney.
Follow
these links to learn more about the other basic legal and
financial documents you should have:
Last
Will & Testament
,
Financial
Power of Attorney,
Living
Will.
More articles on this subject:
When Your Medical Power of Attorney Isn't Enough
Long-Term Plans Aren't Wine, and They Don't Always Age Well
Planning For Assisted Living Costs
Communicating With The Doctor: How To Be Sure You Can
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