The Pros & Cons of Assigning a Loved One as a HCP

Assigning a HCP is such an important part of an advance directive.  

A HCP will only step in when you are unable to speak for yourself in a medical crisis.  Therefore, your proxy must understand your medical wishes, and be willing to follow them, regardless if they differ from their views or preferences. 

Here are some pros of asking a family member to be your HCP:

• Your loved ones are familiar with you and your essence.  
• They may be able to provide emotional support.
• You may trust a family member to make better decisions for treatment.
• They may also provide consistency throughout this journey.

Cons of assigning a family member to be your HCP:

• Family may have difficulty honoring your beliefs and wishes.
• It may be very heart-wrenching to make objective decisions.
• A member may be overwhelmed with medical information.
• It can be very hard and emotionally confusing to focus on preferences.

Important considerations:

• What is comfort level knowing a loved one can be an impartial advocate?
• How confident are you that your HCP will convey wishes for treatment?
• A HCP, that is family, should be able to separate role as an advocate.
• You have the option of assigning a back-up HCP is family is overwhelmed.