What is an advance healthcare directive?
An advance healthcare directive is a living will coupled with a power of attorney.
A living will is a legal document that expresses an individual’s desires about what healthcare and treatment the individual would like to receive should he or she become incapacitated and unable to communicate due to an injury or illness. A power of attorney gives an individual the right to make medical decisions on your behalf.
What does an advance healthcare directive do?
As the default medical action is to keep the incapacitated individual on life support, an advance healthcare directive typically limits or eliminates life support.
Who makes medical decisions for me if I don’t have an advance healthcare directive?
Medical decisions, for those who cannot make their own decisions, are usually made by a close relative—a spouse, parents, adult children, siblings, etc. The problem arises when there is a disagreement among these people about how you should be cared for. An advance healthcare directive eliminates the need for arguments and disagreements in your family since you’ve already made an undisputable decision.
Another major benefit of an advance healthcare directive is that it keeps loved ones from having to make extremely difficult, and possibly divisive, decisions on your behalf.
Should I have an advance healthcare directive?
Making decisions about what type of medical treatment you would like to receive in a situation that calls for an advance healthcare directive is a very personal decision that has a direct impact on those closest to you. Concerns about quality of life, possibility of regaining consciousness, and the financial, physical, and emotional burden on loved ones are all factors that should be weighed in making a decision about an advance healthcare directive.
Can I change my mind once I have an advance healthcare directive?
Yes. You can easily change or even revoke an advance healthcare directive prior to becoming incapacitated. Simply contact the attorney or website that helped you create your advance healthcare directive.
How do I get an advance healthcare directive?
There are two primary ways to get an advance healthcare directive: You can either contact an experienced estate planning attorney who will work with you to create the document you want, or there are a number of online resources that provide the necessary documents that you can fill out on your own.
For help with an advance healthcare directive or other estate planning needs, contact David Knecht, davidknechtlaw.com.
