There are several different documents people can add to their estate plans that can protect their interests in emergencies. In addition to testamentary documents, like wills, people may also want to draft living documents. In an emergency scenario, those living documents can ensure that a person in a vulnerable position has support and that the situation does not end up violating their personal ethics or rights. An advance health care directive is a standard form that many people choose to add to their estate plans.
People facing serious medical challenges, adults who don’t have spouses to make their health care decisions and those preparing for retirement may choose to add advance health care directives to their estate plans. There are three main concerns of the document that allow people to achieve three critical goals.
Choosing a health care proxy
People without spouses need someone who can access their medical records and make choices about their treatment. A health care proxy has the legal authority to act on behalf of someone who becomes incapacitated. People can name children, friends or anyone who they trust to oversee their medical treatment in an emergency.
Explaining medical preferences
Every person has unique preferences and expectations related to health care. For those with a family history of addiction, limiting the administration of pain medication might be a priority. Those with chronic or terminal conditions may want to limit life support or heroic interventions in an emergency scenario. An advance health care directive allows an individual to clearly explain their medical preferences so that their health care proxy can follow their wishes.
Addressing anatomical gifts
One of the hardest decisions for family members to make in a tragic situation relates to organ and tissue donation. Some people also choose whole-body donation for scientific research. Families may decline to make anatomical gifts because of grief or a sense of guilt. Addressing personal preferences about anatomical gifts can take the pressure off of loved ones. An advance health care directive can help ensure that people make the right choice on this key issue when someone is near death or has recently passed.
Adding an advance care directive to an estate plan can provide adults with peace of mind and protection when they are vulnerable. Living documents can be as important as testamentary instruments for personal protection.
