What Is An Advanced Health Care Directive?
Advance care planning is making decisions about the healthcare you would want to receive if you are incapacitated and are unable to speak for yourself. These are your decisions to make, regardless of what you choose for your care, and the decisions are based on your personal values, preferences, and discussions with your loved ones.
Do I Need An Advanced Health Care Directive?
Yes! If you do not have a Health Care Directive where you have appointed someone to make health care decisions on your behalf, then a family member will have to petition the Court to be appointed as your Guardian. This will take time and thousands of dollars both of which would be unnecessary if you plan and sign the Directive while you still have the capacity to make your own decisions.
What Does An Advanced Health Care Directive Include?
The name and address of your Agent and Successor Agent. Decisions on what types of treatment you would or would not want should you be diagnosed with a life-limiting illness such as whether you want to be on a respirator (life-support), whether you want your Agent to issue a Do Not Resuscitate Order, whether you want to be tube-fed, whether you want to be an organ donor, and other health care decisions.
Who Should Be My Health Care Agent?
Someone you know, love, and trust. The Agent must be over the age of 18 and of sound mind. Make certain that they have the proper ethics and morals to follow your instructions.
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