Speaking On Your Behalf When You Can No Longer Speak

by Roberta Ness

Ensuring Your Voice is Heard

Welcome back to our corner booth. Today's special is served with extra love and a side of practical wisdom. As I stir my coffee, I'm thinking about one of the most profound gifts David left before his dementia progressed – he made his wishes crystal clear and created a “love drawer” with all the documents I’d need to navigate his final days and death.

Averting disaster in your final journey

Remember that protein bar you always socked away in your pocket before we started on a long hike? You’ve always become hypoglycemic easily – it’s what you call getting “hangry” – and it’s the harbinger of fainting. That protein bar was a lifeline that averted disaster and provided peace of mind. As you age, you need to be similarly prepared with a protein bar – not to avoid hypoglycemia - but to ensure you make prudent medical and financial decisions. This time, the boost of energy comes from a friend or family member, or personal attorney, or even member of the clergy, who can take over and act on your behalf should you become unable to do so. We call these helpmates Powers of Attorney (POA). There are two types of POA, and trust me, you want both. One is named in the document that sets out what you want at the end of life medically - your Advance Directive. The other is named in the document that sets out what you want financially as you near the end and after you die – your Will.

Healthcare or Medical Care Power of Attorney (HPOA), is your medical advocate…