Navigating Colorado’s healthcare system may be overwhelming, especially when it comes to making critical medical decisions. What happens if you are unable to make these decisions for yourself due to a serious illness or accident?
Understanding your rights and the laws in place can help ensure that your wishes are respected and followed.
Understanding Your Rights in Colorado
In Colorado, you have the right to accept or refuse medical care and treatment unless a court orders otherwise. In emergencies, consent to resuscitation, medical care, and treatment is passed on to a guardian or agent who is dedicated as a proxy.
What Happens If You Can’t Make Your Own Decisions?
If you’re unable to make your own medical decisions, Colorado law has provisions to ensure that someone else can step in to make decisions on your behalf.
Appointing a Medical Durable Power of Attorney
A Medical Durable Power of Attorney (MDPOA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint an agent to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re unable to do so. This person, often a trusted family member or friend, will have the authority to make decisions that align with your preferences and best interests.
Creating a Living Will
A Living Will is a document that specifies your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment if you are terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state. It provides clear instructions to your healthcare providers and loved ones about the extent of care you wish to receive.
The Role of a Guardian
In cases where you become incapacitated without having appointed an MDPOA or created a Living Will, a court may appoint a guardian on your behalf. This person will be responsible for your healthcare and may make other personal decisions for you.
Proxy Decision Maker
If you do not have an advance directive or a guardian, Colorado law allows for a proxy decision-maker. This is typically a person close to you, such as a spouse, adult child, parent, or close friend. The physician or their designee will make reasonable efforts to contact those close to you to appoint a proxy. In some cases, the legislature allows a physician to be a proxy decision-maker.
Steps to Take Now
At The Oberon House, we understand the importance of planning for your future healthcare needs.
As an assisted living facility dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care, we strongly encourage all adults to take proactive steps to ensure their healthcare wishes are respected.
Here are some steps to consider:
- Identify a Decision Maker: Select a trusted family member or friend to serve as your MDPOA.
- Document Your Preferences: Having clear documentation of your healthcare wishes ensures that your preferences are followed.
- Specify Your Care Preferences: State your preference for receiving care, whether it’s in a hospital, at home, or in an assisted living community like The Oberon House.
- Share Your Plans: Make sure that your healthcare providers, family members, and anyone involved in your care are aware of your plans.
- Review and Update Regularly: Your healthcare preferences may change over time, so it’s essential to review and update your documents periodically.