Health care decisions and estate planning

It is not uncommon for older people in Jefferson to develop health conditions as they age. However, many of them do not take their health into account when they are making their estate plans. They might be so concerned about dividing their estate up fairly, that they forget to add instructions regarding their care if they were to become severely ill or incapacitated. Once people become severely ill or incapacitated, they lose their ability to make medical decisions for themselves. People should take some time to make decisions about their end of life care needs now, so their families and loved ones will not be burdened with them.

Living wills and healthcare power of attorney

There are two documents that people can use to provide instructions to their loved ones regarding their healthcare; a living will and health care power of attorney. Both documents can provide loved ones with vital information on how to manage the preparer’s medical care. A health care power of attorney is a document that the testator uses to name one of their relatives or loved one’s to make medical decisions on their behalf, state MayoClinic.org.

Living wills are also known as advance directives. According to NeptuneSociety.com, the testator should include the types of medical treatments they want and do not want, such as if they have preferences for certain medications and medical procedures and want to be resuscitated. Living wills are often used for end-of-life situations.

People should check with their medical providers to ensure that they can honor their health care decisions. They should also make copies of these documents and keep them in secure places so that their loved ones can access them when the time is right.