CHOOSING AN AGENT
You have decided it is time to
complete a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care form. You want to be prepared in case something
happens to you, and you are unable to speak for yourself. You want your wishes
to be known and followed. How do you decide who should be your agent, the
person who becomes your substitute voice?
Your agent should be someone you
trust, and is close enough to you to know what your values are in relation to
quality of life. He/she needs to be a person who will take the time to listen
to you and learn how you feel about such end of life issues as use of IV’s and
feeding tubes, and other life-sustaining treatments.
SELECTING YOUR AGENT
When you decide to select someone
to speak for you in a medical crisis, there are some things to think about.
This tool will help you choose the best person. It is best to have a primary
agent and at least one alternate.
Consider three people using the
chart below. Which person(s) is (are) best to be your Healthcare Agent(s)?
What to do AFTER you pick
a healthcare agent?
· Talk to your agent about what
they do for you.
· Ask if they are willing to be
your agent.
· Talk about your healthcare
wishes, values, and fears.
· Write down your “agent” and
“fears.”
· Make sure your agent gets the
first copy of your wishes and gets a copy of any attachments.
· Tell family members and friends
who you select
Who CAN’T be an Agent
· State rules for who may be an
agent vary, but the most common persons who cannot be an agent are these:
· Under age 18
· Your healthcare provider
Article Provided by Brenda Louthan at Butler County Department on Aging.
