Despite the importance of advance directives, only about one in three U.S. adults has completed any type of such document. This means that two-thirds of adults have no living will or other advance directive in place.
If you live in Burlington, understanding the difference between a healthcare proxy vs power of attorney is a must. While they serve different purposes, both are key to protecting your well-being and financial security.
This article breaks down what each one does and why having both can give you and your family peace of mind. By the end, you'll have the knowledge you need to take the next step in planning for your future.
A healthcare proxy is a person you choose to make medical decisions for you when you can't. You pick someone you trust to speak with doctors and decide about your treatment if you're too sick or injured to do so yourself.
Your healthcare proxy steps in when you're unable to communicate, like if you're in a coma or have severe dementia. They use what they know about your values and wishes to guide their choices. Your proxy can engage in a wide range of medical decision-making, including future healthcare choices like:
It's important to talk with your proxy about your preferences before anything happens. Let them know how you feel about different medical situations and what quality of life means to you.
A power of attorney is a legal document that lets you choose someone to handle your affairs. Your chosen person called an agent, can manage your finances and legal matters when you're unable to do so yourself.
You can give your agent broad powers or limit them to specific tasks. For example, you might allow them to:
Different types of power of attorney exist to fit various needs. A general power of attorney gives broad authority, while a limited one focuses on specific tasks. On the other hand, a durable power of attorney stays in effect even if you become incapacitated, which is especially important for long-term planning.
The main difference between a healthcare proxy and a power of attorney lies in the areas of your life they control. Your healthcare proxy focuses solely on medical decisions, while your power of attorney agent handles financial and legal matters.
You might choose the same person for both roles, but it's not required. Some people prefer to separate these responsibilities, especially if they have family members with different strengths.
Another key difference is when these documents take effect. Your healthcare proxy only steps in when you're unable to make medical decisions yourself. In contrast, a power of attorney can be set up to start immediately or only activate when you become incapacitated, depending on your needs and preferences.
In Burlington, Iowa, it's important to follow local laws when creating these documents. For example, Iowa requires that a power of attorney document be notarized to be valid.
However, healthcare proxy forms, often referred to as "advance directives", are simpler and typically don't require notarization. It's a good idea to consult with a local lawyer to ensure you're following the correct procedures for both documents in Des Moines County.
Both a healthcare proxy and a power of attorney play an important role in estate planning for aging adults. These documents work together to protect your interests in all aspects of your life, from medical care to financial management.
Without them, your family might struggle to help you if you become unable to make decisions. They could face legal hurdles or disagreements about what you would have wanted.
Burlington's growing senior population means local healthcare facilities like Great River Medical Center are seeing more cases where these advance care planning documents are needed.
Having them in place ensures your care aligns with your wishes, even if you can't communicate them yourself. It also helps your loved ones avoid the stress and expense of going to court to get permission to act on your behalf.
Your golden years in Burlington should be worry-free. By preparing both documents, you're setting yourself up for peace of mind. You can enjoy local events at the Port of Burlington or relax in Crapo Park, knowing that you've taken important steps to secure your future. Remember, it's never too early to plan, but it can be too late if you wait until an emergency happens.
To create your healthcare proxy and power of attorney documents in Burlington, start by consulting with a local attorney who specializes in elder law. They can guide you through Iowa's specific requirements and help you draft documents that reflect your wishes. You can find lawyers through the Iowa State Bar Association or ask for recommendations at the Burlington Senior Center.
Next, choose your agents carefully and discuss your expectations with them. Make sure they're willing and able to take on the responsibility. Once your documents are prepared, sign them in the presence of witnesses and a notary public, as required by Iowa law.
Taking care of your future is an important part of enjoying your senior years in Burlington. By understanding a healthcare proxy vs power of attorney you can protect yourself and make things easier for your loved ones.
If you're looking for a community that understands the importance of senior care and planning visit Addington Place of Burlington. We offer a warm, supportive community where staff can help guide you through important decisions about your future care.
You'll love our beautiful riverside location and the peace of mind that comes with our comprehensive care options. Don't wait to secure your future. Schedule a tour today.