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