7 Ways to Ensure Your Medical Power of Attorney Makes the Right Decisions for You
Appointing a medical power of attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your estate planning. This person will be responsible for making healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. To ensure they can make the right choices for you, here are seven key steps to consider.
1. Choose the Right Person
The most critical step is selecting someone you trust completely. This person should understand your values, beliefs, and medical preferences. Ideally, they should be someone who can remain calm under pressure and make decisions in alignment with your wishes, even if others disagree. Also, ensure that you choose someone who can make decisions for you and is easily contactable by your doctors. Choosing someone on the other side of the world may not be practical.
2. Nominate a Back-Up
It’s important to consider naming a backup MPOA. Life is unpredictable, and your primary nominee may not always be available or capable of acting when the time comes. Having a backup in place provides a safety net to ensure your wishes are still respected even if your first choice cannot step in.
3. Communicate Your Wishes Clearly
Once you’ve appointed your MPOA, have open and honest conversations about your healthcare preferences. Discuss specific treatments, end-of-life care, and any other personal considerations. Clear communication ensures they know exactly how you want to be treated in different situations.
4. Put Your Instructions in Writing
A clear and detailed Advance Care Directive or living will is essential. This document outlines your specific wishes for medical treatment, making it easier for your power of attorney to follow your preferences. It also helps protect them from potential legal disputes with other family members who might not agree with your choices.
5. Review and Update Your Instructions Regularly
Your medical preferences may change over time, especially as new health conditions arise, or medical advancements occur. Make it a point to review your Advance Care Directive regularly and update it as needed. Ensure your medical power of attorney is aware of any changes so they can act accordingly.
6. Upload your medical information to a Digital Vault
To make the decision-making process easier for your MPOA, consider uploading your medical information to a secure digital vault. This allows them to access your health history, medical conditions, and care preferences at any time. Uploading this information can help ensure that medical professionals and your POA are on the same page about your care. Digital vaults provide an organised way to keep everything in one place and can be accessed when needed most.
7. Discuss Potential Conflicts and Provide Guidance
Family members may have differing opinions on your healthcare, which could create tension. Prepare your medical power of attorney by discussing any potential conflicts and giving them the confidence to act according to your wishes, even in difficult situations. This will help them navigate emotionally charged moments with greater ease.
Having a medical power of attorney is an essential step in ensuring that your healthcare wishes are respected. By taking these steps to prepare your MPOA, you can have peace of mind knowing that your best interests will be taken care of.
If you’re looking to get your power of attorney done, consider using WebWills’s Digital Vault. We make it easy to store and manage your essential documents securely.
Call (03) 9028 7603 or email us at info@webwills.com.au. Let us assist you in securing your medical and legal future.
DISCLAIMER
This is a commentary published by WeWills for general information purposes only. This is not meant to be taken as particular advice. You should seek your own legal and other advice for any question, or any specific situation or proposal, or get in touch with the writer at http://webwills.com.au before making any final decision. The content also is subject to change. A person listed may not be admitted as a lawyer in all States and Territories.
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