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Name a health care proxy - to speak for you
Each state has particular rules and laws - make sure your health care proxy and living will is not contested.
A health care proxy (also known as an advance directive form) appoints someone to make critical medical decisions on your behalf and according to your wishes. Completing the paperwork to name a health care proxy alongside an advance directive (living will) will greatly help medical folks and those who love you. Do it today and redo it over time. How about making a mental note to do it every new decade of your life? Lots of resources to find the state-by-state forms. An easy link - just use the "free" part is https://www.everplans.com/guides/state-by-state-guides
How do I select a proxy? It is important that it is a person you trust and who will not get so emotional that they cannot carry out your wishes. It is important that it is someone who is located near you - or can be there in a moment's notice. The person may be a relative but may be someone you respect who is not part of your family. Your call. Remember the purpose of this form - to make sure that your wishes are made known.
It is also of paramount importance that once you complete the form you tell others that it exists. Having the form tucked away in your safe deposit box will be of no help in an emergency. Naming someone without their knowledge and without giving them a copy is useless. And you should seriously consider - some states require it - that you complete a living will at the same time.
The person you select can be changed at any time. You may move and need to select someone different. You may change your personal situation and want to make changes. Or you may feel that another person will best represent you. The plan is to have named someone to speak for you should you be unable to do so - and that that person will fight to be sure that your wishes are carried out.
Now What Am I Supposed to Do? GET IT DONE! It is easy and you will feel better knowing that you have it done should it ever be needed. What is stopping you?
also
We have countless jokes online and in person about nonstop phone calls at all hours begging you to extend your car warranty - even when you don't own a car! But we don't talk about death. AND we all have death in common!
Upon death, even if your legal paperwork is completed will there be problems? Tell others about your wishes. Make changes as often as you want but be sure your loved ones know. Problems arise when loved ones disagree. Money can do that to wills.
You don't have to discuss death daily. Yet you need to face that we all will die. Give yourself a rest sometimes but remember that each day is precious.