A health care surrogate (also known as a health care power of attorney) is someone you appoint to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to communicate with your doctor. It’s an important part of planning for the unexpected and something every adult should consider, regardless of age or health.

This document isn’t just for end-of-life situations—that’s the role of a Living Will. Think about a scenario where you’re in a car accident and unconscious. A physician needs consent for a risky procedure. Who would you trust to make that call? That’s the person you should designate.

The experienced attorneys at Kentucky ElderLaw, PLLC, can help you choose the right individual and complete all necessary legal paperwork. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your wishes are clearly documented and your future care is in capable hands.

You need to appoint someone who will keep a cool head in a medical emergency. If you are appointing a child, it need not be the oldest child – just the one best able to function in an emergency situation.

Your health care surrogate does not need to be a child or a relative. They do not even need to reside in Kentucky, although that is helpful. You should ask the person you want to appoint as your health care surrogate if they will agree to be your health care surrogate. Additionally, you should discuss your desires about medical care and treatment with your health care surrogate.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a free consultation with us, please feel free to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations. You can reach our Louisville office at 502-581-1111, our Bowling Green office at 270-467-0002 or our Shepherdsville office at 502-955-1005. You can also send our office an email.