A healthcare proxy (also called a medical power of attorney or healthcare directive) lets you name someone to make medical decisions if you can't speak for yourself. It's a basic, low-cost document that every adult should have — and yet roughly two-thirds of Americans don't.
A living will spells out your wishes (e.g., no resuscitation, no artificial nutrition). A healthcare proxy names a person to interpret and apply your wishes when situations come up that the document didn't predict.
While you're conscious and competent, you make your own medical decisions. The proxy steps in only when a doctor formally determines you can't — temporarily (after surgery) or permanently (in coma, advanced dementia).
The right person can be calm under pressure, willing to ask doctors hard questions, and able to hold to your wishes even when family members disagree. "Closest relative" isn't always the best fit.
Have an actual conversation about your values: quality vs. quantity of life, religious considerations, who you'd want present in the room, what you'd want communicated to family. Written documents can't capture nuance — your proxy needs context.
Without a proxy, state law sets a hierarchy (usually spouse, adult children, parents, siblings). That can mean an estranged spouse or quarreling siblings making the call. A signed proxy avoids the fight.
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