Healthcare Power of Attorney: Why It Matters for Seniors and Families

According to AARP's 2024 End of Life Survey, 83% of older adults understand the importance of end-of-life care, but many still find it impossible to discuss. Though 60% have idly talked about it, only half of those people will have taken concrete action such as drafting elder care documents.

Naming a Healthcare Power of Attorney may be challenging, but it's a critical step toward getting the end-of-life care you want. Read on to define what this individual does and why it's important to appoint the right person.

What Is Healthcare Power of Attorney?

A Healthcare Power of Attorney (HPoA) is also called a "healthcare agent." This individual makes medical decisions on behalf of another person if they are unable to.

Seniors choose and designate someone to operate as their HPoA. They have full control over who they give this power to.

The HPoA can:

• See medical records and decide who else is allowed access to them
• Choose where the person they represent gets care
• Select which physicians provide this care
• Give permission for medication and surgery to take place
• Give permission for healthcare professionals to conduct medical tests in the patient's best interests
• Accept or decline treatment that may or may not save their loved one's life when the patient is unlikely to recover
• Determine what happens with a deceased loved one's remains after they pass away

Usually, the person designating an HPoA will choose one person to serve as the agent. Usually, this will be a surviving spouse or adult child. It must be someone that they trust completely.

However, they also often choose a backup HPoA in case their first choice is also unable to make medical decisions.

What Seniors Should Tell Their Healthcare Agent

Being a healthcare agent can be stressful for those who don't know their loved one's wishes regarding life and death. To minimize this stress, seniors can talk with their designated HPoA about:

• What is most important to them in life and how they want to honor that when dying
• Whether they would prefer to live as long as possible vs avoid pain and suffering
• Whether they would prefer to experience their end of life at home or in comfortable hospice care
• What religious and spiritual tasks they want to be considered when on their deathbed
• Specific acknowledgment and burial rites upon death, including rituals that honor military veterans
• Whether they wish to donate organs or give their body to science

Honors Personal Wishes

One of the most important reasons to have a healthcare agent is that they exist to carry out end-of-life wishes.

If you're appointing someone to be your HPoA, make sure to have hard conversations while you still can. This is the best way to ensure that you get the treatment and dignity you desire at the end of life.

They will make sure that all medical decision-making reflects your needs and preferences. An HPoA makes it possible for you to have your wishes honored even when you cannot communicate them.

This can stop you from being in pain and suffering unnecessarily when there is a low chance of recovery.

It also ensures that your spiritual needs will be met so you can be fully prepared for death.

This keeps you autonomous and helps you to retain peace of mind while you're still enjoying life. You won't need to fear what comes next or worry that you will lose control when your health eventually declines.

Makes Decisions Faster

In addition to helping family members make end-of-life decisions, having an HPoA makes these decisions quicker.

In some situations, this can be life-saving. If you can't communicate but want a treatment that could help you live longer, your HPoA can communicate those wishes fast. You'll get more timely medical care if you want it.

In other scenarios, quicker decision-making could stop you from suffering at the end of your life. Deciding to stop treatment and enter hospice sooner can keep you comfortable with cozy surroundings and effective painkillers.

You won't need to be in pain for the duration it takes loved ones to make a decision.

Peace of Mind for Families

Your HPoA is someone you love and trust. Because of this, they will be stressed when making medical decisions on your behalf. They love you, and it's painful despite being necessary.

If your HPoA knows your wishes, they'll be less anxious about whether they're making the right decisions. They can be your voice when you have none.

Additionally, when seniors don't appoint an HPoA, families may have disputes and conflicts when they can no longer make decisions. This can stress out your family and drive wedges between loved ones. You also may have to listen to arguments, which is stressful when receiving end-of-life care.

Fewer Legal Complications

There are many reasons that people may not be able to make decisions as they make the transition from life to death. Some include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Side effects of medication
• Emotional distress
• Cognitive decline, including dementia

All of these conditions may make advance directives necessary. However, they can also lead to legal complications since family members may argue about end-of-life wishes.

An HPoA would be the overriding power that makes the final decision. But without senior legal planning, your loved ones including your spouse and children may become embroiled in legal battles.

This prolongs your pain and suffering. It also means lengthy court processes that take a financial and emotional toll on your family.

These long-term processes may also have bad outcomes that don't coincide with your end-of-life wishes. Communicating those needs with someone who has the power to make decisions limits this possibility.

Beyond Estate Planning for Seniors in North Carolina

Having a Healthcare Power of Attorney is important for end-of-life care. However, enjoying life up until that point is just as important.

That's why seniors and their families should look into a relaxing and socially-exciting life at TerraBella Indian Trail!

Our seniors may experience age-related challenges, but they're not ready to slow down. We offer a wide range of amenities and activities to keep residents happy and active. Contact us to schedule a tour and see our beautifully appointed community in Monroe, NC!