Member-only story
A Cautionary Tale: the unfortunate demise of Mrs. Thompson
The consequences of not having a power-of-attorney or substitute decision-maker when you can no longer speak on your own behalf.
Once upon a time in a small town, there lived an elderly woman named Mrs. Thompson. She had lived a long and fulfilling life, raising a loving family and building strong relationships within her community. Mrs. Thompson was known for her kind heart, but as she grew older, her health began to decline.
One day, Mrs. Thompson fell ill and was rushed to the hospital. Her condition worsened, and the doctors determined that she needed immediate medical intervention. However, they soon realized that Mrs. Thompson did not have a power of attorney for healthcare. Without a designated decision-maker, the medical team had no choice but to make decisions based on their best judgment, which left Mrs. Thompson’s family feeling helpless and uncertain.
As the days went by, Mrs. Thompson’s health continued to deteriorate. Her family, desperate to be involved in her care and make decisions on her behalf, faced numerous obstacles due to the lack of a power of attorney. They were unable to access her medical records, discuss treatment options with the doctors, or even provide consent for certain procedures. This lack of control and information caused immense stress and anxiety for the…
