How are healthcare decisions handled if you’re incapacitated?

Adults need to ensure they have plans made for their medical care if they can’t make the decisions for themselves. There are two components of an estate plan that can make it possible for someone else to make those decisions for you.

As part of your estate plan, you need to set an advanced medical directive and name someone on a healthcare power of attorney designation document. Together, these can ensure you get medical care that you’d agree to and avoid things you wouldn’t consent to.

Advanced medical directive

An advanced medical directive is a written document that outlines exactly what you want if you become incapacitated. This can outline a variety of things, such as whether you want artificial nutrition, ventilation, or other life-prolonging measures. You’ll need a specific document, a Do Not Resuscitate order, if you don’t want to be resuscitated.

Healthcare power of attorney

There are many decisions that may have to be made that won’t be included in the advanced medical directive. Naming a person as your healthcare agent in the healthcare power of attorney form lets you put someone you choose in charge of making decisions for you. Discuss your wishes with the person you choose so they can make decisions with your medical team that align with what you want and your best interests.

Getting your estate plan set can help reduce the stress on your loved ones if you become incapacitated or pass away. Working with someone familiar with these matters is beneficial so they can help you to get everything situated. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation with Pennington Law, PLLC.

Andre L. Pennington attributes his passion and success as an Arizona estate planning lawyer and licensed financial professional to one thing: wanting to do what’s right for his Family.