Why Do I Need a Power of Attorney?

Each year on April 16th, National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) reminds us all—young and old, healthy or ill—that life can change in an instant. If a serious illness or accident leaves you unable to communicate, who will speak for you? More importantly, will they know what you would want?

In Boerne and the surrounding Hill Country, families often wait too long to make healthcare decisions until it’s too late. Creating a plan now—especially establishing a power of attorney—ensures your voice is heard and your medical preferences are honored, even when you can’t speak for yourself.

Why Healthcare Decisions Shouldn’t Wait

Planning ahead may seem unnecessary when you're feeling fine. But unexpected emergencies don’t discriminate. A car accident, stroke, or sudden illness could leave you unable to make your own medical choices.

Without the right documents in place, your care could be determined by doctors, courts, or Texas state laws—not your loved ones. This is why advance care planning is so important.

What Is Advance Care Planning?

Advance care planning is the process of deciding in advance how you want medical decisions to be made if you're ever unable to make them yourself. It usually includes:

• Documenting your medical treatment preferences
• Naming a trusted person as your healthcare power of attorney
• Talking to your family so they understand your wishes

These steps remove the guesswork during a crisis. Your loved ones can focus on supporting you instead of navigating difficult decisions on your behalf.

The Role of a Power of Attorney in Boerne

One of the most important pieces of your advance care plan is choosing someone to act as your power of attorney for healthcare. In Texas, this is legally referred to as a Medical Power of Attorney. This person—often a spouse, adult child, or close friend—has legal authority to make medical decisions if you cannot.

In Boerne, having a power of attorney ensures that someone who knows you and respects your values is in charge—not a distant relative or court-appointed guardian.

Responsibilities of a Healthcare Power of Attorney:

• Speaking with your doctors
• Making choices about treatment, surgery, or end-of-life care
• Ensuring your living will or advance directive is followed

This isn’t just a legal formality—it’s a way to protect your voice when you need it most.

Key Advance Care Estate Planning Documents

1. Living Will (Directive to Physicians)

Outlines what medical treatments you want—or don’t want—if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.

2. Medical Power of Attorney

Designates someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you're incapacitated.

3. Out-of-Hospital DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)

Applies to emergency medical responders and lets them know not to perform CPR if your heart stops.

4. POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)

Typically used by those with serious health conditions, this medical order gives precise instructions for doctors to follow.

If you live in Boerne, it’s wise to consult an estate planning attorney to make sure these documents comply with Texas law and are kept up to date.

How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Your Wishes

Conversations about healthcare choices aren’t always easy, but they are necessary. Your loved ones might disagree on what’s best, or feel unsure about what you'd want.

To avoid confusion later, take time to share your preferences now. Let them know:

• Who your power of attorney is
• What treatments you would or wouldn’t want
• What quality of life means to you

When families in Boerne have these discussions early, they feel more confident and united during medical emergencies.

How to Participate in National Healthcare Decisions Day

NHDD is a great time to take action. Here are three things you can do today:

1. Review your existing healthcare documents – Make sure they still reflect your wishes and are legally valid in Texas.
2. Talk to your loved ones – Clear communication today prevents confusion tomorrow.
3. Meet with a Boerne estate planning attorney – Whether you're creating documents for the first time or need to update existing ones, an attorney can help you get it right.

Advance care planning is not just about end-of-life decisions—it’s about giving your loved ones peace of mind and ensuring your values are honored. By naming a power of attorney, you’re taking a simple but powerful step to protect your future.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is the perfect reminder to act now and request a consultation with McCammon Law, so that you are prepared, not caught off guard.

Key Takeaways

• Advance care planning ensures that medical wishes are honored: A living will and healthcare power of attorney allow you to dictate your treatment preferences.
• Choosing a healthcare proxy prevents uncertainty: Designating a trusted person to make medical decisions ensures that your values are respected.
• Conversations about end-of-life care provide clarity: Discussing your wishes with family members can reduce stress and avoid conflicts during medical crises.
• A POLST form is crucial for individuals with serious illnesses: Unlike a living will, a POLST provides specific medical instructions that healthcare providers must follow.
• National Healthcare Decisions Day is the perfect time to act: Reviewing and updating your medical directives ensures that your plan remains current and legally valid.

Reference: The Conversation Project "National Healthcare Decisions Day"