Philadelphia Attorney Handling Health Care Directives
A durable power of attorney for health care is an estate planning directive that authorizes a specific person or people to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated and are unable to make those decisions for yourself.
The durable power of attorney for health care is known by many names: a medical power of attorney, a medical directive, a health care proxy and a POAHC. This estate planning directive can benefit people of all ages and all income levels.
While it is everyone's hope you will never need a health care power of attorney, having one in place can provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind.
To learn more about powers of attorney for health care, call us toll free at 1-888-AJA-LAWS or locally at 215-245-2250 to arrange a consultation with a lawyer. Or, e-mail us and someone will be in touch with you promptly.
Who Can I Name in My Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
You can name anyone you want to make decisions on your behalf in durable power of attorney for health care. You may choose your spouse, a trusted friend or an adult child.
It is important to choose an individual who lives nearby, understands your values in medical situations, and will always have your best interest at heart when making decisions. For people in same-sex relationships, naming your partner to act as your health care proxy ensures he or she — not a person chosen by a health care provider as "next of kin" — has full access in your medical care and can make binding decisions for you.
What Types of Decisions Does a POAHC Make?
Alan Jay Ackerman can answer your questions about choosing a POAHC and about the types of decisions this person is authorized to make. Should you become incapacitated, decisions may need to be made regarding the following:
- Medical treatment
- Living arrangements (at-home or nursing home care)
- End-of-life care decisions (use of feeding tubes and ventilators, for example)
- Financial decisions
- Organ donation
Of course, medical and end-of-life decisions are quite complex and will need careful consideration. We have the knowledge and experience to help you understand these complexities and ensure your wishes are clear. If you are interested in developing a durable power of attorney for health care, schedule consultation at our central office in suburban Philadelphia or one of our branch locations in Exton, Radnor, or Trevose. Contact us online or call us toll free at 1-888-AJA-LAWS.
