Choosing the right person to be your health care agent

Among the most crucial documents to include in your estate plan are a living will (sometimes known as an advance directive) and a Texas Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) Designation of Health Care Agent. The living will is used to designate things like what kind of life-prolonging measures you do and don’t want if you suffer a catastrophic injury or illness and can’t make your wishes known at that time. 

Naming a health care agent and giving them power of attorney can be just as important. This is the person whom you’re giving the authority to get information from your medical team regarding your condition if you’re determined to be incapacitated. They’ll also have the authority to make decisions on your behalf.

These decisions need to be based on your living will. However, circumstances may arise that aren’t covered in that document. That’s why it’s crucial to choose your agent (and any alternates) very carefully. 

Often, people choose their spouse, an adult child or a parent. However, your agent doesn’t have to be a relative. In fact, it may be wise to choose someone outside the family in case of a tragic multi-victim event like a serious car crash or house fire.

What qualities should your health care agent have?

You want someone you can trust to put your wishes and well-being above all else and to drop everything to be there for you if necessary. It’s also best if you choose someone who lives nearby.

Further, you want someone who understands your values, whether they’re religious-based ones or not. They don’t necessarily have to share your values, as long as they can prioritize them over their own when acting on your behalf. It’s smart to let them read your living will before agreeing to take on the job so they know whether they’re comfortable advocating for your choices.

You want someone who is strong enough to not be intimidated by doctors or other family members. However, you also don’t want someone with no people skills. They need to effectively communicate with the people they’ll be dealing with.

It’s best if your agent is good under pressure. You want someone who can take in a lot of information in a fast-paced situation, process it and make good decisions.

Even if you don’t think you’re old enough to put a full estate plan in place, these are documents that you could need at any point in your life. It’s wise not to procrastinate.