Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Life is unpredictable. When it comes to your parent’s health, helping him or her be prepared is imperative. As your parent ages, unexpected health issues or a life-limiting illness may occur. In order to help keep your parent’s estate and best interests at heart, setting up a durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC) for your parent is essential.

A DPAHC is generally set up by a person who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness but is still capable of making his or her own decisions. If your parent sets up a DPAHC, then you or someone else your parent trusts will be responsible for making health, life and estate decisions when an illness leaves your parent impaired.

Setting up a DPAHC is fairly simple. Contact an attorney to have the form drafted, you can use an Oak Harbor Attorney for this. The contents can be as broad or as specific as your parent wants it to be. Once the form is drafted and your parent is comfortable with the contents, you and your parent will need to sign it in front of a notary public. When signing, your parent must be of sound mind.

For more information about advance directives and setting up a DPAHC, please visit http://www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/direct.htm.