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My aunt is in a nursing home and I have POA. The doctors at the hospital act like her life is over. Can I demand a simple procedure?

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Yes you can! Don't hesitate. You are the legal guardian since you have a POA. They can sound like that but you need to step up and insist on what you want. Be kind and respectful but forceful.

There's a term doctors often use once a person is of a certain age and in a nursing home. It shocked me when I first hear it. Its, "end of life." That stage of life can be days long to years long. Maybe you heard that term. If so, ask them what that means to them. Tell them you need to understand exactly what's going on with her. Also let them know you have the POA. They'll be more respectful of your role in her care.

You can also remove her from their care and insist on other doctors if they don't work with you. But, be sure that's the best solution for what's ailing her. Sometimes you have to work with doctors you wouldn't have chosen for yourself (or her) because they are the best in your area in their field. So, as much as you'd like to get testy with them, its a good idea to communicate with them as one professional to another. But do let them know you are the decision maker and this or that is what you want for her.

In addition, find some support for you. Losing a parent is very painful and we are seldom prepared for it no matter the circumstances. Even if she's not at "end of life" now, there will come a time when that will be the case. The more support and understanding you have in advance, the better decisions you will make for her (and you) when that happens.

Kudos to you for seeking help and not just taking the doctor's word for it. Even if he's right, you'll feel better in the end that you asked and considered her needs, not just taking his word for it.
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Yes, you can advocate for her as long as you have Durable Medical Care POA. Regular POA doesn't have anything to do with health care, doesn't mean you can't advocate for her, you just don't have any authority.
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I agree with MJ1929 that it needs to be considered medically necessary by her doctor. What is the procedure and why do you believe she needs it?
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Probably not if it isn't medically warranted. What do the doctors say to make you think they believe her life is over?

You'd need to provide a lot more information that what you have for anyone to have an opinion.
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