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What Is a Health Care Power of Attorney?

Prepare for unforeseen circumstances to save yourself and your family needless pain

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February 22, 2016
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We have all heard stories of people who, because of a terrible accident or illness, become unable to make health care decisions for themselves. It may happen gradually, when someone develops dementia, for example. If he or she did not previously designate another person to do so, the matter can end up in the courts.

Having a health care power of attorney is the best way to make sure that your wishes are followed and that you receive the level of care you choose.

In this video by Milwaukee Public Television, attorney Betsy Abramson, deputy director of the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, offers pointers on how you can put your mind at ease by filling out the vital paperwork.

 

Emily Gurnon is the former Senior Content Editor covering health and caregiving for Next Avenue. Her stories include a series of articles on guardianship abuse that was funded by the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. She previously spent 20 years as an award-winning newspaper reporter in the San Francisco Bay Area and St. Paul. Reach her through her website. Read More
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