What is Healthcare Proxy Decision-Making?

‍Healthcare proxy decision-making is the process by which an appointed healthcare agent makes medical decisions for a patient who cannot make their own decisions. This involves understanding the patient's values, consulting with medical teams, and making choices aligned with the patient's wishes.

Why is proxy decision-making challenging?

• Emotional burden: Making life-and-death decisions for loved ones.
• Complex information: Understanding medical options and prognoses.
• Family dynamics: Managing different opinions among relatives.

Principles of proxy decision-making

• Follow patient's known wishes.
• Consider patient's values and beliefs.
• Act in patient's best interest.

How Solace can help

‍A Solace advocate can support healthcare proxies by explaining medical information, facilitating family discussions, and ensuring decisions align with the patient's documented wishes. They can also help proxies navigate conflicts and communicate effectively with medical teams.