In a previous blog post, we discussed how beneficial it is for individuals to have a health historian. This is not an official role, which leads many people to wonder: how can a health historian really help me?
1. Someone can represent you if you cannot speak for yourself
For the need to arise for a health historian to provide medical information on your behalf, it’s not something you would want to think about, but it is a real possibility.
In an emergency, you might not be able to provide your health history to the medical professionals trying to give you the best possible care. You might be confused, incapacitated and or have difficulties expressing yourself.
But a health historian, who has a thorough understanding of your medical history, can help speak for you to make sure you get the proper care you need. To that end, it is most helpful to have a lawyer prepare a detailed power of attorney for healthcare to give this person the legal power to make decisions on your behalf.
The combination of a health historian with power of attorney ensures you have holistic representation during difficult circumstances. After all, they can then:
- Provide a current list of medications you are taking to health care professionals
- Provide a list of doctors you are currently seeing and for what purposes
- Discuss your health history and the current situation with medical providers
- Understand the day-to-day effects of your health and medical condition
- Make informed decisions about your care
Making sure someone aside from you shares the knowledge of your health history is an important precaution you can take for your own medical care.
2. You can benefit from another perspective
It is always helpful to look at things from a different perspective – even when it comes to your health.
If someone else has comprehensive knowledge of your health history, they can support you in:
- Your medical care: They can accompany you on appointments and provide your medical history and current medications, as well as insightful opinions about your treatment options and care.
- Planning for the future: Your health historian can also help you consider estate planning and future medical decisions. This can be an overwhelming topic to contemplate alone but working with your health historian to clarify your wishes and make difficult choices will make the process easier.
3. It can reduce your stress
Choosing a trusted loved one to be a health historian can also take some weight off of your shoulders. Dealing with health and medical matters is never easy, but you don’t have to handle it alone.
And knowing someone understands you and your condition, and that they can make these important decisions that adhere to your wishes, can give you peace of mind.