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Lighting the Path: A New Concept of Hospice CareAuthor: Jerry Fenter
Lighting the Path is here as a guide to help anyone with a life-limiting illness have a better end of life experience. Our goal is to provide you with honest, clear, and unbiased information about hospice and palliative care. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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How to Choose a Healthcare Proxy: Questions to Ask and Conversations to Have
Episode 19
Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
Who would speak for you if you experienced a medical emergency and could not make healthcare decisions for yourself? In this episode, Robin Shapiro of Well Said Health joins us to discuss how to choose a healthcare proxy—the person you authorize to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to communicate or make informed choices. Robin Shapiro is the founder of Well Said Health and a passionate advocate for helping individuals and families communicate clearly about healthcare choices. Robin explains why this is not only an issue for older adults or people with serious illness. She encourages adults to put a healthcare proxy in place when they turn 18, especially before leaving home for college. Robin offers practical guidance for selecting the right person, including the importance of choosing someone who: Understands your values, goals, and priorities Can remain calm during an emergency or emotionally difficult situation Is willing to speak up and advocate for your wishes Can communicate effectively with clinicians and family members Will honor your preferences, even if those preferences differ from their own beliefs Is available and willing to accept the responsibility The conversation also addresses an equally important question: what should you talk about after selecting a proxy? Robin shares the kinds of values, treatment preferences, fears, hopes, and quality-of-life considerations that can help a proxy make decisions with greater confidence. Naming someone is important, but having ongoing conversations with that person is what gives the appointment real meaning. For people who do not have a trusted family member or friend available to serve in this role, Robin discusses the option of hiring a professional advocate. These professionals can help represent a person's stated wishes and provide informed, independent support when healthcare decisions need to be made. Robin also recommends resources that can help individuals and families begin these often difficult—but deeply meaningful—conversations. Resources mentioned Robin Shapiro / Well Said Health: WellSaidHealth.com Free webinar: How to Create Your Own Healthcare Proxy October 7, presented through HealthAdvocateX HealthAdvocateX: HealthAdvocateX Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
