Your Voice, Even When You Can’t Speak: The Role of a Healthcare Agent

Let me tell you about Shana.

Shana is the baby of the family—funny, dependable, the one who always remembers birthdays and brings the best snacks to game night. She never thought she’d be the one making medical decisions for someone else. Until her dad had a serious accident.

In the ER, the nurses asked, “Do you know if he has a healthcare agent?”

She shook her head.

“Is there anyone listed to make medical decisions?”

Again—no idea.

That’s when it hit her: someone would need to make a decision, and without paperwork, the hospital might not listen to her—even though she knew exactly what her dad would’ve wanted.

A healthcare agent is someone legally chosen to speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself.

They’re not just next of kin—they’re your voice in the room when emotions run high and hard choices need to be made.

Shana’s family had to scramble. There were arguments. Delays. Second-guessing. No one was prepared, and that made a hard moment even harder.

After it all, Shana and her siblings sat down and talked. They each chose someone they trusted—someone who would follow their wishes, not make their own choices. Now, every sibling has a healthcare proxy in place. It’s not morbid. It’s mature. It’s peaceful.

Because when it comes to your care, the most important thing isn’t just having someone you love in the room—it’s having someone who knows what you would want and has the legal right to make it happen.

Choosing a healthcare agent doesn’t mean you’re expecting the worst. It means you’re protecting your voice.

Your values. Your boundaries. Your care—your way.