When estate planning, you have the right to name someone to follow your medical instructions if you become incapacitated and make others for you. This party is called an agent. Since they will be responsible for your life, you should choose wisely.
The following are two factors to consider to ensure you choose a suitable agent:
1. Knows you well
It’s important to choose a health care agent who knows you well. They should understand your values, wishes and health conditions. It can be challenging to name someone with whom you don’t have a close relationship, as they may not make decisions that align with your values and wishes. You need to trust that your agent will make decisions like you would have.
Choosing an agent who knows you well can give you peace of mind because you can trust your wishes will be followed. Additionally, it may be easier to have open conversations with them. You can comfortably discuss critical matters concerning your health and wishes. This may not be the case when you choose someone you have not spoken with in years.
2. Stays calm under pressure
Serving as an agent can be emotionally demanding. Your agent may need to make quick life-or-death decisions. They may also need to make decisions while dealing with disagreements from family members and health care providers. Therefore, it’s vital to name someone who can stay calm under pressure.
You can tell your chosen agent possesses this quality by assessing how they make decisions in their life. An individual with a reputation for not being collected under pressure may not be the best choice.
Someone willing to serve as your agent should possess these qualities to perform their duties competently. Learn more about other factors you may need to consider.
