**Updating Healthcare Proxies as Dementia Impairs Decision-Making Ability**
Dementia is a condition that affects a person’s memory, thinking, and behavior. As dementia progresses, it can impair a person’s ability to make decisions, including those about their healthcare. This is where healthcare proxies come in. A healthcare proxy, also known as a healthcare agent, is someone you choose to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so yourself.
### Why Update Your Healthcare Proxy?
1. **Decision-Making Capacity**: People with dementia may eventually lose the capacity to make certain decisions, such as those about their finances or medical treatment. It’s crucial to have someone you trust who can make these decisions for you.
2. **Preparation**: Updating your healthcare proxy is a proactive step. It ensures that your wishes are respected and that the person you choose will be able to make decisions that align with your values and preferences.
3. **Legal Considerations**: In many places, having a healthcare proxy is legally required. This document, often called a durable power of attorney for healthcare, provides a clear understanding of your wishes and ensures that your healthcare provider knows who to contact for decisions.
### How to Update Your Healthcare Proxy
1. **Choose a Proxy**: Select someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, or another loved one. Make sure they understand your wishes and are willing to take on this responsibility.
2. **Discuss Your Wishes**: Talk to your chosen proxy about your medical preferences, including any treatments you would or would not want. This conversation helps ensure they understand your values and can make decisions that align with them.
3. **Complete the Necessary Documents**: You will need to complete a durable power of attorney for healthcare form. This document should include your name, the name of your proxy, and a description of your medical preferences.
4. **Review and Update**: Review your healthcare proxy document periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes. If your circumstances change, update the document accordingly.
### What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Proxy?
If you don’t update your healthcare proxy, your healthcare provider may need to seek court intervention to determine who should make decisions for you. This process can be lengthy and stressful for both you and your loved ones.
### Conclusion
Updating your healthcare proxy is an important step in planning for the future, especially if you or a loved one is living with dementia. By choosing a trusted proxy and discussing your medical preferences, you can ensure that your wishes are respected and that the person you choose will be able to make decisions that align with your values. This proactive approach can provide peace of mind and help ensure that your healthcare is managed according to your wishes.
