How an Enduring Guardian Can Be Your Lifeline in a Medical Emergency
When faced with a sudden medical emergency, having someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf can be a true lifeline. While most of us hope never to face such a situation, planning ensures your wishes are respected. One of our greatest assets in these situations is appointing an Enduring Guardian.

What Is an Enduring Guardian?
An Enduring Guardian is a person you legally appoint within your Estate Plan. This appointment empowers you to make lifestyle and healthcare decisions, when you become incapable of doing so yourself. Their authority includes the medical treatments you receive.

During a medical emergency, an Enduring Guardian plays a crucial role in ensuring that decisions are in line with your personal values, especially important when you are unable to express them yourself.

Why You Should Appoint an Enduring Guardian
No one can predict when or if they might lose the ability to make medical decisions. Accidents, illness, or sudden incapacitation can happen unexpectedly. By appointing an Enduring Guardian, you have the reassurance that someone you trust will act on your behalf and in line with your wishes.

Here are some key benefits of having an Enduring Guardian:

1. Peace of Mind: You know your guardian will make decisions that align with your values, particularly during stressful and emotional times.

2. Legal Power: The appointed person has the legal authority to make medical and lifestyle decisions, ensuring no confusion or disputes among family members or healthcare professionals.

3. Tailored Decisions: Your Enduring Guardian can receive all relevant medical information to make educated choices that best reflect your desires.

The Role of an Enduring Guardian in a Medical Emergency
Medical emergencies often require immediate decisions regarding treatment options, surgeries, or life-sustaining measures. Without an Enduring Guardian, doctors may need to rely on next of kin or their own judgement, which might not always align with your personal preferences.

An Enduring Guardian helps bridge this gap. They'll be empowered to make those critical medical decisions, ensuring your voice is heard even when you're unable to speak.

Some specific ways an Enduring Guardian can assist include:

• Approving or refusing medical treatments: They can accept or reject treatments on your behalf based on your previously stated wishes.

• Accessing healthcare information: Your Enduring Guardian can communicate directly with doctors and other healthcare providers to fully understand the situation before making decisions.

• Deciding on lifestyle changes: Beyond medical care, they can determine the best living arrangements, whether staying in your home with support services or transitioning to a care facility.

When Does the Enduring Guardian's Authority Begin?
It's important to note that the authority of your Enduring Guardian only comes into effect when you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. This underscores the need for proactive planning in the event of potential incapacity.

Final Thoughts
Appointing an Enduring Guardian is essential in planning for your future, particularly in a medical emergency. It offers peace of mind knowing that someone you trust will make decisions in your best interests and that your voice will be heard even when you cannot speak for yourself. Setting up this protection now can make all the difference in ensuring your healthcare preferences are followed in the most critical moments. For more information about how to appoint an enduring guardian, please read our guide on the matter here.