Medical Wishes
Establishing your medical wishes is a crucial element of your overall estate plan, regardless of age or assets. People do this by obtaining an Advance Healthcare Directive. Think of this as Directions Made in Advance. An Advance Healthcare Directive puts you in the driver’s seat of your own medical decisions while relieving the pressure put on your loved ones to guess what you might want should you become unable to communicate.
For more thoughts on Medical Wishes, see the video below.
This legal framework can vary by state and usually consists of two parts:
Living Will
A living will provides instructions on how you wish to proceed and the level of care you desire should your health deteriorate and/or you are faced with end of life decisions. You can include medical treatments that you definitely do or do not want, such as using a feeding tube or receiving a blood transfusion. You can choose what kind of comfort care you receive at end of life and can even specify the hospitals and healthcare providers that you prefer. You should also express any religious or spiritual values you hold that can help to guide your doctors and caregivers.
Medical Power of Attorney
A Medical Power of Attorney is a legal document designating a trusted person that you have chosen to communicate your healthcare wishes when you are unable to do so. Usually referred to as a healthcare agent or healthcare proxy, this person should be of legal age and cannot be your healthcare provider. Many times people choose a close family member or friend who is emotionally mature and has some flexibility to be available if ever needed. Your agent will communicate your desires as outlined in your living will, and make decisions in your best interest on anything not included in the living will.