An advance directive is one of the documents you need to draft and sign when estate planning. This document allows you to name a health care agent – someone whom you give power to make health care decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
Here are three qualities to consider when choosing your health care agent:
1. Close relationship
It can be beneficial to choose a health care agent who knows you well. Someone you have a close relationship with who understands your values and wishes. Accordingly, they can make decisions as you would have.
You are more likely to trust someone you know well to be more reliable and responsible than someone you haven’t spoken with in years.
2. Calm in stressful situations
If you have a loved one who impresses you with how they remain calm in stressful situations, consider naming them as your health care agent if you believe they are best suited for the role. You want an agent who can remain calm to make clear decisions quickly under pressure.
A calm agent can also communicate effectively with your doctors and loved ones.
3. Assertiveness
The party you choose should be comfortable expressing their opinions, asking questions and disagreeing with family members and health care providers. Your loved ones and people in your health care team may have different opinions regarding your health, especially in critical situations, such as withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment.
Therefore, you want an agent who can obtain all the needed information from your doctors and attorneys to make decisions that respect your wishes. They should even be willing to take the matter to court when necessary.
A health care agent is a sensitive role. You need to be adequately informed to identify someone who can protect your interests.