Choosing a Medical Decision Maker
A gerontologist explains the extensive authority granted to a healthcare proxy and offers advice on selecting the right person for the role.
By Yara Nasser ·
If you become unable to make your own medical choices, a designated individual will step in to manage your care. This person holds substantial legal authority over where you live, who cares for you, and which treatments you receive.
Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, described the scope of this power during a recent health education segment. The role involves deciding whether a patient moves to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation after surgery. The proxy also determines if the patient enters assisted living or remains at home. Additionally, they select the specific caregivers who will provide daily assistance.
Cradduck emphasized that the choice requires careful consideration. The appointed individual must be capable of advocating for the patient's documented wishes rather than their own personal preferences. She stressed that the proxy should act based on what the patient wants, not on what the proxy believes is best for themselves.
Alongside decision-making authority, the segment addressed common health issues affecting older adults. Dry mouth impacts a large portion of the senior population. According to the American Dental Association, 40% of adults aged 80 and older experience the condition. The rate is 30% among adults aged 65 and older.
Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, noted that dry mouth often appears alongside soreness, bad breath, and difficulties wearing dentures. She identified several potential causes, including dehydration, nerve damage, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Medications are also a frequent trigger. Rogers added that the symptom can appear in otherwise healthy individuals as an early warning sign.
Dr. Nathaniel Mann, an emergency doctor at Prisma Health, discussed the physical and mental benefits of spending time outdoors. He has practiced medicine in remote environments for two years. Mann, who also specializes in wilderness medicine, believes people should be prescribed time in nature similarly to how they are prescribed medication. He stated that he absolutely supports this approach.
The program concluded with a feature on New Orleans architecture, where iron frames balconies and gates. Darryl Reeves, a blacksmith, continues a family tradition passed down from his grandfather. He described the physical act of shaping metal as a source of joy and a way to process frustration.
The broadcast included a standard disclaimer stating that the information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Viewers were reminded to consult a licensed physician for personal health concerns and to seek immediate professional help in medical emergencies.
