When you begin your estate planning tasks, you will likely hear or see terminology that is not 100% clear to you. For example, do you know what the term health care proxy means? Most Mount Morris, New York, residents do not have a firm grasp of this term and how such a document can benefit their estate plans.
In simple language, a health care proxy empowers a trusted agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. By making your medical care wishes known in the proxy, you can rest assured that you will receive only the care you wish for in the event of illness or injury.
Benefits of a health care proxy
One of the most attractive benefits of adding a proxy to your estate plan is the peace of mind it brings. Other benefits include the following:
- It ensures you receive no treatments you do not want
- It prevents medical staff from making your treatment decisions
- It relieves family members of difficult decision-making burdens
- It only goes into effect when you can no longer make your own choices.
You can easily modify the document per your changing needs and wishes, so you need not fear that you are permanently locked into any decisions you make today.
How to get more information
If you need more detailed information about health care proxies, an estate planning professional can help you understand how these documents work. An added advantage of professional consultation is having an advocate to help you create your proxy.
When it comes to solid estate planning, a health care proxy is a great way to strengthen your existing plan and retain the power to control your health care even when incapacitated.