The right time to think about estate planning for health care is not during a medical emergency. This is something to think about and take care of beforehand. In fact, your estate planning offers the right solution: the advanced directive. And there are three documents you may need to include in the advanced directive portion of your estate plan.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
The person signing a power of attorney is called the principal. A general durable power of attorney is a legal document in which the principal authorizes an agent to act on his or her behalf. The powers granted can be very broad or very limited.
When a principal prepares a durable power of attorney for health care, he or she also names a trusted person to act as their agent. However, the powers granted pertain only to health care. If the principal becomes unable to communicate with health care professionals regarding medical treatment, the agent can step in.
For example, Marjorie signed a durable power of attorney for health care naming her son, Victor, as her agent. When Marjorie later suffered a major stroke, Victor showed the durable power of attorney to her medical providers. As her agent, he was able to discuss treatment options and choose the ones that fit his mother’s wishes.
Living Will
It’s not generally pleasant to think about end-of-life situations. However, they happen and it’s best to be prepared in advance. A Living Will can be an important part of your advanced directive. In this document, you have the opportunity to state what levels of treatment you want in the event of terminal illness. A Living Will also spares your family from having to make tough decisions without knowing your wishes.
For example, Marjorie signed a Living Will. Her son referred to the Living Will as he talked with her doctors. They were able to allow her to pass away without prolonging her life on machines, which is what she wanted.
Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment
A terminally ill patient may have strong feelings about their care. As part of a patient’s advanced directive, Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment let the doctor know whether a patient wants or refuses treatments like resuscitation, feeding tubes, and other life-prolonging procedures.
In addition to a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will, Marjorie filed a copy of her Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment with her doctor. When the time came, everyone was prepared.
Make an Advanced Directive Part of Your Estate Plan
At the Lambros Law Office, our attorneys assist clients like you prepare an estate plan that fits their needs. To schedule an appointment, call 401-383-9899. You may also use our convenient Contact Form to let us you know are ready to get started. We assist clients throughout Rhode Island, including Cranston and the Greater Providence area.
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