Why You Should Have a Healthcare Power of Attorney
What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
A healthcare POA — sometimes called a “healthcare proxy,” “durable power of attorney for health care,” or “medical power of attorney” — is a legal document that lets you appoint another person (an “agent” or “proxy”) to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak or decide for yourself.
This authority can cover many aspects of care: consenting to or refusing treatments, choosing providers or care facilities, deciding on life-sustaining measures (like feeding tubes or ventilators), managing pain or palliative care, and more. A healthcare POA differs from a general or financial power of attorney. A general POA (or durable POA) may cover finances, assets, and legal matters. A healthcare POA focuses solely on medical and care decisions.
Why It Matters — Benefits for You and Your Family
Having a healthcare POA offers major benefits:
- Keeps control in your hands — Even if you can’t speak or make decisions, you get to choose who will ensure your medical care and treatment align with your values and wishes.
- Provides clarity and guidance in crises — In an emergency or serious illness, having a named decision-maker avoids confusion or delays; your chosen agent can act quickly based on your preferences.
- Reduces stress for family and loved ones — Without a POA, medical decisions may fall to whoever is available — which can lead to disagreements or uncertainty. With a POA, family conflicts are less likely because your wishes are already documented.
- Ensures dignity and respect for your values — Your agent should act in your best interests and according to your known wishes for care, comfort, and quality of life.
- Part of a complete planning package — Pairing a healthcare POA with other advance-care documents (like a living will, DNR, or POLST) gives full direction for your care if you can’t speak for yourself.
When to Create One
You don’t have to be elderly or ill to benefit — a healthcare POA makes sense for almost any adult, because serious accidents or sudden medical crises can happen at any time.
Because this document only takes effect if you become incapable of making your own decisions, there’s no downside to preparing it now. And you can update or revoke it anytime you wish.
Who Should You Choose as Your Agent?
Selecting the right person matters. Ideally this should be someone you trust deeply — a spouse, adult child, close family member, or a friend who understands your values.
Important qualities in a healthcare agent include:
- Understands your values and medical wishes
- Is willing and emotionally able to make difficult decisions
- Is accessible to healthcare providers (geographically and in terms of communication)
You may also want to designate a backup agent — in case your first choice is unavailable when needed.
What If You Don’t Have One
Without a healthcare POA:
- Doctors and hospitals may not know who should be consulted — decisions might be delayed or made by a court-appointed guardian.
- Family members may disagree about what you would want, causing stress, conflict, and emotional distress during a vulnerable time.
- Your personal values and wishes for care (comfort, aggressiveness of treatment, end-of-life preferences) may not be honored properly.
In essence, without a healthcare POA you risk losing control of one of your most personal matters — your health care.
How to Create a Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Choose a trusted individual (and possibly a backup) who understands your values and is willing to act.
- Discuss your medical preferences, beliefs, and wishes so your agent knows what you want.
- Use a legal form appropriate for your state and ensure it is completed according to legal requirements (signatures, notarization or witnesses if required).
Give copies to your agent, your primary physician, and any family members who may need to know.
- Review and update the document periodically — especially if your health, family situation, or wishes change.
Why This Matters for Families — A Message from Ashley Ownby
At Ashley Ownby we believe that planning ahead is a powerful act of love. A healthcare power of attorney is more than a legal document — it protects your dignity, ensures your wishes are honored, and shields your family from uncertainty during the most difficult times.
Whether you are young and healthy or navigating chronic illness, having a healthcare POA offers clarity, control, and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to consider designating your healthcare agent — and having the conversations that matter most.
