Why think about values?

Many people sign a Health Care Proxy document, which allows them to appoint an “agent” (or spokesperson), should there ever come a time that they are unable to speak for themselves (even temporarily).

If you are ever too ill to speak for yourself, your spokesperson will be asked to make medical treatment decisions on your behalf.

Making medical decisions for another person is a big responsibility, and it will help your spokesperson to know what is most important to you. If your spokesperson knows what you care about, he or she will be able to make good decisions for you.

This form provides a guide for discussing your values and preferences with your spokesperson. You may or may not choose to take notes about your discussion.

Discussion Questions

1. First, think about what is most important to you in your life. What makes life meaningful or good for you now?

2. Now, think about what is important to you in relation to your health. What, if any, religious or personal beliefs do you have about sickness, health care decision-making, or dying? 

3.  a. Have you or other people you know faced difficult medical treatment decisions during times of serious illness? 

     b. How did you feel about those situations and any choices that were made?

4. Some people feel a time might come when their life would no longer be worth living. Can you imagine any circumstances in which life would be so unbearable for you that you would not want medical treatments used to keep you alive?

5. If your spokesperson ever had to make a medical decision on your behalf, are there certain people you would want your spokesperson to talk to for advice or support (family members, friends, health care providers, clergy, other)?

6. Is there anyone you specifically would NOT want involved in helping to make health care decisions on your behalf?

7. How closely would you want your spokesperson to follow your instructions about care decisions, versus do what they think is best for you at the time decisions are made?

8. Should financial or other family concerns enter into decisions about your medical care? Please explain.

9. Are there other things you would like your spokesperson to know about you, if he or she were ever in a position to make medical treatment decisions on your behalf? 

Health Care Proxy Information and Forms