4 Qualities of a Good Health Care Power of Attorney

You need to name a health care power of attorney, commonly called an agent, in your estate plan to make future health care decisions for you if you become too ill or can’t make those decisions for yourself. Your agent shall follow the instructions included in your advance healthcare directive and make other decisions on your behalf.

Here are four qualities to consider when choosing an agent:

1. Willingness

A health care agent should be willing to serve, as the role they are about to assume is sensitive. Thus, you need to have an open conversation with your chosen party to inform them about your decision and wishes and help them understand the role. After that, confirm if they are willing to assume the role. Naming someone without confirming if they want to serve may be unwise.

2. Trust

It’s crucial to name someone you trust as your agent. Someone you believe will follow all your instructions and make other informed decisions. A trustworthy family member or friend can be a reliable agent.

3. Calmness

Your agent may need to make quick decisions in challenging situations. Therefore, consider picking someone who can stay calm in such situations to make clear judgments. Someone who can’t maintain an even temperament when stressed may not be the best agent.

4. Confident and assertive to stick to their decisions

When incapacitated, your health care providers and loved ones may have opinions about what’s best for you. Accordingly, they may want to influence the decisions your agent makes. Although your agent should consult them to obtain more information about a particular situation, they should be confident and assertive enough to make the decision they feel you would want them to make.

Learning more about how to pick and appoint a health care agent can help you make the right decision.