When preparing for death, appointing a health advocate will bring you peace of mind. This individual makes decisions concerning your medical care if you become incapacitated based on legal documents that outline your wishes. If there are no preparations when you become incapacitated, family members may make decisions for you that are undesirable to you. A health advocate enforces guidelines you have set for your physicians and family when you can't.
Instructions
1. Talk with the individual you wish to act as your health advocate and explain your wishes. Choose someone you trust, who you know will follow your wishes exactly. This could be a spouse, a friend, a parent, or even a sibling. Let this person know your plans, and ask the individual to serve as your advocate.
2. Consider consulting a health care attorney in your area. Legal requirements for appointing a health advocate vary from state to state. An attorney will ensure all of your documents comply with state laws.
3. Obtain a health advocate appointment form from your local hospital, your physician or from a legal forms website, like US Legal Forms.
4. Fill out the form to the best of your ability. Again, an attorney can explain the terminology inside each document. Once finished, keep these documents in a safe place, such as a bank deposit box. Inform your advocate, your physician, and your attorney where they can find them.
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