Health Care Power of Attorney

Did you know that if you are over 18 years of age and you become incapacitated (e.g., if you suffer a stroke, are in a coma, develop Alzheimer’s or dementia), no one – not even your spouse, a parent, or an adult child of yours – is legally able to automatically step in for you to make your medical decisions? Instead, if you do not plan for such an event, someone may have to go to probate court to be appointed your guardian to manage your general care. Not only can this be a lengthy process, but there is no guarantee that the probate court judge will appoint the person or people you would want to make your decisions for you.

With a Patient Advocate Designation (also known as a Health Care Power of Attorney), you have control as to who you want serving as your Advocate. Furthermore, as things change in your life, you will have the ability to make changes as to who is serving as your Advocate. The Advocate will be given the ability to make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Who you choose to serve in this role can be very important. Only you fully know who you would want to serve in that role. Why leave it to chance?