|
3 Legal Documents Caregivers Need As a caregiver, you want to make sure that the person you're caring for is as comfortable and healthy as possible. But that may not be possible if you don't have a few key legal papers. In a worst-case scenario, you might be forced to fight for guardianship in court, a time-consuming and costly process that you can avoid by preparing these simple documents. Power of attorney A power of attorney is a legal instrument that allows someone else, called an "Attorney In Fact," or your agent, to act on your behalf. A power of attorney gives the Attorney In Fact the authority to act for you regarding important matters such as selling your real estate, signing checks, paying your bills, and making purchases, making medical decisions, and transacting other business. There are several types of powers of attorney. Each type grants a certain degree of authority and each has it's own functions. Health-care proxy A health-care proxy is also called a medical power of attorney. A health-care proxy enables you to make health-care decisions for someone else. It is important to have a health-care proxy, regardless of age. This is true because you can't predict when you will have a medial accident or medical emergency. HIPAA authorization HIPPA stands for Health Information Portability and Accountability Act. HIPAA keeps your health information and records private. This is important because unless you authorize in writing someone else to receive your health information, your doctors aren't obligated to share any details about your health.
|
| ||||||
 |
Hot Topics: Domestic Violence: A pre-existing condition? Serena: The wanna be vegetarian Personal Story: How I recovered from my Eating Disorder Mama wants to help: Food Bank programs and shelter assistance Lucy Goes Green: Talk dirty to me What no one will tell you about tummy tuck surgery Mama's favorite item of the week: Trees for the Future
Win a Gift Bag filled with Goodies from Stonyfield
| ||||||
|
Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition.
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms
of Use. ©2000 - 2009 MamasHealth, Inc.™. All rights reserved | ||||||
|
| ||||||
