Suggested topics to discuss with your health care agent(as you
prepare to complete your Power of Attorney for Health Care)
One
of the steps in completing a Power of Attorney for Health Care is to
choose at least one person to act as your Health Care Agent. This person
will work with your health care provider to make sure your wishes are
carried out, in the event you are unable to communicate your own
decisions. Your Health Care Agent(s) will need to know your thoughts and
wishes about the kind of medical care you would want – or would not
want.
This is not always easy to talk about, and you may not be sure
of what topics should be discussed. Here are some suggestions of points
you may wish to share with your Health Care Agent:
Your wishes about
the use of the following medical treatments if you were severely ill or
injured and unable to make health care decisions for yourself:
Kidney dialysis – A machine used to cleanse the blood if your
kidneys cannot function on their own.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – A procedure to restart
circulation if your heart stops beating. It involves repeated pushing on
the chest and pushing air into the lungs through the mouth.
Respirator or ventilator – A breathing machine if you are
unable to breathe on your own.
Artificial nutrition – Nourishment provided through a tube
that is threaded through the nose into the stomach. For longer periods
of feeding, a surgical procedure may be performed to place the feeding
tube through the abdomen into the stomach.
Artificial hydration – Fluids given through a tube placed in
a vein (in your hand, arm, or other location).
Your wishes about the following procedures after your death:
Organ donation – Stating that organs or tissues of your
body can be used after your death, to replace the diseased or failed
organs of another person.
Autopsy – Examination of your body after death to
determine the cause of death and changes in the body from disease.
Please note that, in some cases, the coroner may decide an autopsy
is needed.
Your thoughts/concerns about others involved in your care:
Do you think your doctor will support your wishes and
decisions?
Do you think your doctor should make the final decision
about any medical treatments that you might need?
Do you think your family and friends will support your
wishes and decisions?
Any thoughts/concerns you would like your Health Care Agent
to know, such as:
Your current health status or any medical problems
How you feel about receiving short- or long-term care in
a nursing home
What will be important to you when you are dying (e.g.,
physical comfort, pain control, family members present,
setting or place, etc.)
Your religious beliefs and how they affect your current
thoughts/wishes
The information presented is intended for general
information and educational purposes. It is not intended to
replace the advice of your health care provider. Contact
your health care provider if you believe you have a health
problem.
One
of the steps in completing a Power of Attorney for Health Care is to
choose at least one person to act as your Health Care Agent. This person
will work with your health care provider to make sure your wishes are
carried out, in the event you are unable to communicate your own
decisions. Your Health Care Agent(s) will need to know your thoughts and
wishes about the kind of medical care you would want – or would not
want.