We encourage everyone to execute a Health Care Directive, not just those who are ill or undergoing surgery. A Health Care Directive (also called an Advance Directive or Living Will) gives you the opportunity to make your health care wishes known if you become unable to make your own medical decisions.
A Health Care Directive and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions that designates an Attorney-in-Fact help to ensure your wishes are carried out.
Making Your Health Care Wishes Known Through Your Health Care Directive
In a Health Care Directive you are able to provide instructions on the type, level, and duration of care you would prefer. Clearly stating what you want helps ensure your health care wishes are met. Also, having a document that outlines your preferences ensures that your loved ones are not left to guess what you would want in various situations. It is important that you, your family, and your health care providers understand your wishes.
In a Heath Care Directive you can state any conditions you want. A Health Care Directive can address:
- When your Health Care Directive will take effect.
- The choice to remain on life support and for how long if you are in a persistent vegetative state.
- The choice to refuse life support if you are in a persistent vegetative state.
- The point at which you wish to refuse all medical treatment.
- The selected circumstances in which you would like to continue to receive medical treatment.
- Instructions to use all efforts to sustain life, no matter the circumstances.
- The choice to refuse specific types of procedures.
- Religious considerations, such as refusal of blood products or transfusions.
- The choice to be an organ donor.
- Preferences for funeral and final resting place arrangements.
Your Health Care Directive can address all of your end-of-life medical wishes. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys can help you create your Health Care Directive and other necessary Estate Planning documents.
Elder Law Group PLLC Focuses On The Particular Needs Of Seniors
Our firm offers legal services and guidance in the following areas:
- Asset Protection Estate Planning™
- Wills & Asset Protection Supplemental Needs Trusts
- Durable Powers of Attorney for Financial and Health Care
- Health Care Directives
- Medicaid Asset Preservation Strategies™
- Long-Term Care Planning
- Probate & Trust Administration
- Other Elder Law Issues
We invite you to learn more about our team here, and read what our clients have to say about us here.
Contact us or call (509) 468-0551 (Spokane office), or (509) 579-0206 (Tri-Cities office), for personal, compassionate guidance on the particular needs of seniors and their families.
