‘Tis the season of families gathering for the holidays. With everyone coming together, it is an ideal time for important discussions, like planning for the future. Whether you are a college student visiting your parents, an older adult visiting the grandkids, or somewhere in between, discussing a Healthcare Power of Attorney is vital. Unfortunately, most adults do not have one in place.
A Healthcare Power of Attorney is a crucial document that provides several benefits when unforeseen health events occur. One of the most significant benefits is allowing a chosen, trusted individual to access healthcare information if the person is incapacitated. Without these documents, family members may be unable to obtain information about their loved ones’ conditions, placing an emotional burden on them to make difficult medical decisions without knowing the individual’s wishes. Designating a trusted person through a Healthcare Power of Attorney can relieve this burden during a crisis and allow families to focus on support and care rather than navigating legal hurdles.
Many people think only elderly individuals need such documents due to fragile health. However, it is equally important for young adults (18-26). Without a Healthcare Power of Attorney, parents of young adults may not be able to get information about their situation or consider treatment options if anything should happen. No decisions about alternative courses of action could be made without appointing a trusted person via a Healthcare Power of Attorney or a much more involved and expensive guardianship. No one wants to be unable to care for their children. Holiday family gatherings allow discussing and planning for unforeseen situations with adult children.
Consider calling an attorney at Pickrel, Schaeffer, and Ebeling to address your family’s need for Healthcare Power of Attorney documents, giving you peace of mind this holiday season. Jacob Frizado, 937.223.1130 or jfrizado@pselaw.
