Choosing a Health-Care Decision Maker in Poway

Start with the person, not the paperwork

Before deciding whom to appoint, consider how each candidate listens, communicates, and responds when people disagree. These are practical considerations for choosing someone to speak for you; they are not legal tests or guarantees about what that person will do.

Think about whether you would be comfortable discussing personal priorities with the person. Would they be willing to ask questions when they do not understand your wishes? Could they explain what you have told them to other people involved in a difficult conversation? Consider whether they can set aside their own preferences and focus on what you have asked them to understand.

A close relationship may be important to you, but closeness alone may not answer whether someone is suited to the role. Compare candidates against the qualities you value, and note any concerns you would want to discuss before making a choice.

• List the qualities you want in a decision maker, such as listening carefully or communicating calmly.
• Consider whether you can speak candidly with each candidate about your priorities.
• Identify any likely disagreement or difficulty that could affect communication.

Think through alternates and coordination

You may be weighing more than one possible person. Consider whether you want to discuss naming an alternate, and how that person would learn what matters to you if needed. Do not assume that people who care about you will agree with one another or interpret your wishes in the same way.

A useful decision framework is to compare each candidate on willingness, communication, and understanding of your priorities. If you are considering more than one person, ask whether they are comfortable with the role and whether they can communicate constructively with one another. These conversations can reveal concerns before you settle on whom to name.

There is no need to reach a final choice before discussing your questions. If you are uncertain, explain what you are weighing and what would help you decide.

• Ask a prospective choice whether they are willing to take on the role.
• Consider how an alternate would become familiar with your priorities.
• Note any concerns about communication or disagreement that you want to address.

Keep health-care and financial authority distinct

A health-care directive can designate an agent for health-care decisions. Financial authority and health-care authority serve different purposes, so choosing a health-care decision maker should not be treated as the same planning choice as selecting someone for financial matters.

As you consider the appointment, keep the question focused: whom do you want designated for health-care decisions? If you also have questions about written treatment preferences, raise those questions separately in your planning conversation. This page addresses selecting a decision maker, not medical recommendations or instructions about treatment.

You can use the conversation to explain what you expect the person to understand about your priorities and to identify questions you want answered about the appointment. The goal is to make a considered choice, rather than assume that one planning decision settles every other concern.

• Make a separate note of any financial-authority questions rather than assuming they are part of this appointment.
• If written treatment preferences are also on your mind, identify that as a separate topic to discuss.
• Write down what you want a prospective agent to understand about your priorities.

Prepare for a focused conversation

Before speaking with the firm, you may find it useful to make a short list of possible agents and alternates, along with the reasons you are considering each person. Note the qualities that matter most to you, any concerns about willingness or communication, and questions you want to resolve. If you have not chosen someone, bring the tradeoffs you are weighing rather than feeling you must decide in advance.

Codi M. Dada Law Office P.C. provides virtual services throughout California. A practical next step is to gather your questions and discuss whom you are considering for the health-care decision-maker role.