The role of a substitute decision maker: What to expect and how to prepare

As a substitute decision maker, you play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of your loved one. When appointed, you have the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of someone who is unable to make decisions for themselves due to illness, injury, or disability. This role comes with significant responsibilities and requires careful consideration and preparation.

Here's what you can expect as a substitute decision maker, and how to prepare for the role.

Understand your legal authority

As a substitute decision maker, you have the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of your loved one. However, this authority is not unlimited. It is important to understand the scope of your authority and to make decisions that are consistent with your loved one's wishes, values, and beliefs.

Communicate with your loved one

Before you are called upon to make decisions on behalf of your loved one, it's important to have conversations with them about their wishes for their health care. This can include discussions about end-of-life care, life-sustaining treatments, and other important medical decisions. These conversations can help ensure that you are making decisions that are consistent with your loved one's wishes.

Understand your loved one's medical condition

In order to make informed decisions on behalf of your loved one, it's important to understand their medical condition and the available treatment options. This may involve consulting with medical professionals and researching different treatment options.

Make decisions in the best interest of your loved one

As a substitute decision maker, your primary responsibility is to make decisions that are in the best interest of your loved one. This may involve balancing their wishes with the medical realities of their condition and the available treatment options.

Keep accurate records

It's important to keep accurate records of the decisions you make on behalf of your loved one, as well as any conversations you have with medical professionals or other caregivers. This can help ensure that you are making informed decisions and can provide valuable information in the event of a dispute or legal challenge.

Seek support when needed

Being a substitute decision maker can be challenging, and it's important to seek support when needed. This may include talking to family members, consulting with medical professionals, or seeking guidance from a lawyer or other professional.

Have a health care directive

If your loved one has not yet written a health care directive, it's important to encourage them to do so. A health care directive is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes for their health care in the event that they are unable to make decisions for themselves. It can provide important guidance to substitute decision makers and medical professionals, and can help ensure that a person's wishes are respected.

By encouraging your loved one to write a health care directive, you can help ensure that their wishes are known and can be followed in the event that they are unable to make decisions for themselves.

LegalDeeds can write a legally valid health care directive for only $5.