Testing For Wisdom

You can plan as best you can, for the fun and exciting events that you see coming around the corner. Then there are preventative things that be done in the event that something unexpected happens, things that happen out of the blue or that you would never anticipate happening. At some point, you may be advised to create a medical or healthcare power of attorney (hcPOA) as a preventative measure, even though right now, you are in full control of your faculties. The hcPOA goes into effect when your licensed doctor puts in writing that you are not able to make your healthcare choices. When considering choosing a person to appoint as your Medical or Healthcare Power of Attorney (hcPOA), there are several things to consider, a set of principles that test thinking, logic and sound decision making.

How frequently is  ______________  employed?

A. You want to make sure there are no errors in thinking:

1.  No black and white thinking.
2. No generalizing
3. No exaggerating
4. No Lying
5. No catastrophizing
6. No overt ghosting or ignoring
7. No passive-aggressiveness
8. No revenge seeking
9. No taking things personally
10. No blaming, denying 

B. The second item to consider are decision-making skills. Harsh and cruel decisions will be eliminated. Decisions need to be made objectively and fairly. While the person making the decisions cannot be persuaded by another person’s opinion and not influenced by a group of people intending to do harm.

C. Third, is the sphere of logic:

1. No doubt that in chaotic times, where emotions are running high, and trauma surrounds you, rational decisions must be made.
2. Decisions must be made in a spirit of calm and peace.
3. Control impulsive decisions.
4. Be satisfied that people don’t have to agree with your decisions. You must be ok with not being liked or not being popular.
5. Address defamation of character comments in which they feel “you are not acting rationally.” A simple, “It’s not for you to decide,” will do.

A healthcare plan needs to be created with a team of doctors, not family members or a lawyer.There are multiple options to choose from regarding your wishes. These are some, but not all and can include DNR (do not resuscitate), DNI (do not intubate), and AND (allow natural death). Allow me to explain.

• If you stop breathing or your heart stops beating, a DNR means that no CPR, chest compressions or a breathing tube will be administered. 
• If you have a DNI, the order stands that though chest compressions and drugs can be used, a breathing tube will not be inserted. 
• An AND order states that comfort measures are used to provide control of pain and other symptoms and not intervening with the natural dying process. It can include discontinuing resuscitations, artificial feedings, fluids and other treatments that prolong the dying process. It states that every effort will be made to have your death calm and peaceful.

Other Options 

Other options to consider for a HCPOA include rehabilitating and healing in an inpatient rehab center if you don’t want to stay with family while you recover. If you prefer not to go to a nursing home, there are assisted living centers with various levels of care depending on your medical and healthcare needs.

Protecting your money through a revocable or irrevocable trust can be administered by the person you appoint as your Power of Attorney; both agreements done through your attorney. A Living Will is also an option.

Letting people in your inner circle or those that you trust know of your wishes, don’t wants and I would never is a good step in the right direction in case someone “forgets,” or wants to do things their way. The following will underscore the importance of choosing a person who not be intimidated by medical professionals and boldly represent the wishes of the patient. This brings me to my next point. If a HCPOA is not followed according to the wishes of the patient, the hcPOA can be revoked for abuse of power and the runner up HCPOA installed immediately. There could be fines and possible jail time depending on the extent of the abuse, neglect or outright and alarming behaviors categorized in the “not in your best interests” category. There is the potential for a civil lawsuit. If a doctor ignores the DNR and resuscitates anyway, this would be grounds for a lawsuit, to the doctor and hospital.

There are many options to consider, and it takes time to sort these out. Speaking with a few different doctors and nurses while you are well and capable may be the best course of action, taking notes and doing your own research will help you be better prepared knowing that you are taking preventative measures to protect yourself, your assets and livelihood. Creating a list, sharing it with other family members, and a proper point of contact at your workplace, and wearing a bracelet with directives engraved on it will help to ensure your wishes are followed through when you are unable.  

Disclaimer: Full discussion with a health care provider is critical for understanding the circumstances of the DNR, DNI and AND orders, when they would go into effect and the actions that will be taken. Your healthcare team can confer with you periodically to verify if these are still your wishes. (Source: wakehealth.edu)Disclaimer: Consult with a lawyer to set up a healthcare power of attorney or any other power of attorney to facilitate your wishes in the event of an untimely accident or disability.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medial professional. This article does not constitute any professional medical advice or treatment. The article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional legal or medical advice.

PC: Romolo Tavani