Selecting Your Health Care Surrogate in Florida © Cynthia C. Rignanese

For Florida seniors, accessing quality healthcare is essential to living a full and healthy life. But there are times when a senior needs a decision-maker to assist in making important medical decisions, such as when they can no longer communicate those decisions for themselves. In such circumstances, having a Health Care Surrogate can bring much peace of mind and assurance. In this blog article, we will look at the important role a Health Care Surrogate provides, from explaining the process to discussing who can serve as one in the state of Florida.

A Health Care Surrogate is a person whom you designate in advance to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate those decisions yourself. In Florida, this designation is made through a written document typically called a DESIGNATION OF HEALTH CARE SURROGATE. The document must be signed by the person making the designation, and must be witnessed by two adults who are not related to the appointed person.

When selecting your Health Care Surrogate, it is important to choose someone you trust implicitly to make decisions in your best interest. This person should be someone who knows you well and who will be able to advocate for your wishes, even if they may not personally agree with them. Additionally, your Health Care Surrogate should be willing to take on this important responsibility, as it can be emotionally and mentally taxing.

Your Health Care Surrogate will have the authority to make all medical decisions on your behalf, including decisions about life-sustaining treatments. As such, it is important to have a conversation with your potential surrogate about your wishes regarding such treatments, as well as any other medical decisions you may feel strongly about. This will ensure that your surrogate knows your wishes and can act accordingly.

You may also want to have a Durable Power of Attorney. This document names someone to make financial decisions on your behalf related to your healthcare, such as paying bills or managing insurance claims. This can be the same person as your Health Care Surrogate or someone else you trust.

Having a Health Care Surrogate is an important way to ensure that your healthcare wishes are followed, even if you are unable to communicate them yourself. If you are a Florida senior, take the time to discuss your wishes with a potential surrogate and put the proper documentation in place. It could bring you and your loved ones considerable peace of mind.

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