Westchester Elder Law Attorney Lauren C. Enea Sheds Light on the Importance of the Health Care Proxy

In today's uncertain world, ensuring that your medical wishes are respected and carried out in the event of incapacitation is paramount. Westchester County elder law attorney Lauren C. Enea, senior associate at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP in White Plains and Somers, N.Y., recently shared her insights on the role of the health care proxy in New York. Underscoring the document’s importance in safeguarding an individual’s autonomy and wellbeing, Ms. Enea emphasizes its significance as part of a comprehensive estate plan.

A health care proxy is a legally binding document that empowers individuals to designate a trusted agent to make medical decisions on their behalf should they become unable to do so. In New York State, this vital tool serves as a proactive measure to avoid the need for court intervention or guardianship proceedings during times of incapacity.

“Appointing someone as your health care proxy is a fairly straightforward process and can be invaluable in the event of incapacity,” said Ms. Enea. “One key benefit is the ability to express specific medical preferences and treatment directives. Being clear about what treatments you want to refuse and which you would be willing to receive can help your agent make swift decisions if you unexpectedly become unable to express them yourself.”

Ms. Enea also suggests sharing these preferences with trusted individuals. “'While your agent can enforce your instructions, informing others can reinforce your wishes. Your physician, your agent, and in some situations even other family members can keep a copy of your form, which can be helpful during emergencies. In the long run, planning and preparing these setups can benefit your welfare and help those you love to navigate your care with ease.”

An active member of the local bar associations, Ms. Enea holds several leadership positions within various legal organizations. She was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Westchester County Bar Association (WCBA) Trusts and Estates Section. Additionally, Ms. Enea serves as co-chair of the WCBA New Lawyers Section, co-chairs the Publications Committee for the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Elder Law and Special Needs Section, and is co-editor of the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section Journal. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County.

Ms. Enea was awarded the Westchester County Bar Association’s Outstanding New Lawyer Award. She was also named to the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Super Lawyers Rising Stars list and the 2023 and 2024 Best Lawyers Ones to Watch list. She is the president of CAREERS Support Solutions' Board of Directors, a nonprofit helping individuals with disabilities obtain gainful employment in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, and a member of the Pace Women's Justice Center Advisory Board, Friends of Gail. Ms. Enea is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida.

Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is located at 245 Main Street in White Plains, N.Y. with additional offices in Somers, N.Y. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 914-948-1500 or visit www.esslawfirm.com.

About Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP

Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is an AV preeminent rated elder law firm with offices in White Plains and Somers, N.Y. The practice concentrates on Elder Law; Medicaid Planning; Nursing Home and Home Care Applications; Wills, Trusts and Estates; Guardianships; Estate Litigation; Supplemental Needs Trusts; and Special Needs Planning. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP serves Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, the Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island and Queens and is committed to providing the highest quality legal services to seniors, the disabled and their families. Visit the firm online at www.esslawfirm.com.