Sometimes life throws us a curve and there may come a time when we are unable to make our own decisions about health care or finances. We will need someone else to make choices on our behalf and make these decisions in accordance with our own wishes. This could be a temporary situation due to an illness or a longer term need for assistance may arise. If you’ve done any estate planning, you may have been asked to choose someone to act as your agent for an Advanced Medical Directive and a Durable Power of Attorney. For those of us who don’t plan ahead with legal documents, a crisis may require the need to appoint a Guardian or a Conservator to provide the necessary care and protection and make the difficult decisions.
Many of us have family who is willing to act in these roles, but when there is not an appropriate person to act as a surrogate decision maker, you can turn to a professional. Care Management by JFS acts as surrogate decision makers for people who need that support. In their role as Guardian, Conservator, and named the agent in Advanced Medical Directives (AMDs) and Power of Attorney’s (POAs), the Care Management staff works with you to provide care and advocacy that reflect your personal values and priorities. Everyone wants to be as independent as possible, for as long as possible. But when assistance becomes necessary, it’s important to have an advocate and decision maker who you feel is on your side, making sure your health and finances are being cared for as you would handle them.
JFS provides presentations to groups about Surrogate Decision Makers and your options. For more information, contact Lisa Davey, ldavey@jfsrichmond.org or 282-5644 x248.
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