Exploring the Issues
By exploring your personal values, attitudes, and beliefs regarding
health care, illness, and death, you can make choices that reflect
your preferences. It is wise to take the time to reflect and talk
your thoughts over with people you care about and who would be
affected by your decisions. Some people want everything possible
to be done to delay death. Others don't want dying to be prolonged.
Where would you draw the line? Think about what you really would
want.
Discussing Your Decisions
A discussion should take place between you, your physician, and
a person you select to make health care choices on your behalf.
That person becomes your proxy decision-maker. This discussion
gives you the opportunity to understand the kinds of decisions
that may be needed. Too often these issues aren't addressed until
you are admitted to a hospital with a life-threatening situation.
Choices then fall on the shoulders of your distressed family members
in the waiting room. Before that situation arises, it's helpful
to review your wishes with your physician to be sure that your
choices are medically sensible and that your physician is comfortable
carrying them out.
Naming A Health Care Proxy
When selecting a Health Care Proxy, or Medical Decision Maker,
consider the role you are asking this person to play in your life.
This person is charged with knowing and stating your specific
treatment choices, aiding in the interpretation of what you would
have wanted, or attempting to assess treatment that is in your
best interest based on your advance care planning discussions.
Many people select a family member or close friend
to serve as their proxy. One way to explore who would be best
suited for the role is to discuss the responsibilities with individuals
you would consider. Being a proxy can be a difficult job. Some
people may not want to take on the role for fear of not being
able to handle the job, due to emotional, intellectual, or time
constraints. Others may be honored to be selected for such an
important role. The person you appoint should have all the following
qualifications:
18 years of age or older
Knows you very well and cares for you
Trustworthy, and likely to be nearby in the
event of an emergency
Willing to accept this responsibility
Willing to follow the values and instructions
you have discussed
Willing to stand up for you and insist your
wishes are honored
Able to make complex, difficult decisions during
stressful situations
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
