Thinking about the end of your life can be tough and uncomfortable, but it’s a crucial task not to overlook. By preparing in advance, you can offer your loved ones the comfort and support they need during tough times. Learning about Advance Directive Essentials is one of the most critical steps you can take. This vital document can help guide your close ones in making tough medical decisions when you’re unable to. By acquainting yourself with Advance Directives Essentials, you’re making an important move towards ensuring that your wishes are respected and your legacy endures. Don’t delay; take the time to plan for the future today.
What Is an Advance Directive?
Also known as a Healthcare Directive, this documentation comprises your Living Will and your Healthcare Power of Attorney. If you become incapacitated or unable to make major health decisions, an Advance Directive will provide instructions for both your doctors and your family to follow.
What Information Should You Include
When people consider advance directive essentials, they often first think of the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. This instruction, established with your physician, informs families that a patient prefers no medical intervention if they cease breathing or their heart stops pumping blood. Opting for a DNR means standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation won’t be administered, irrespective of family wishes or the Healthcare Attorney in fact (the person named in your Advance Directive with power of attorney for decisions in unspecified medical scenarios).
Along with Do Not Resuscitate forms, Advance Directives can also include your feelings about:
- Nomination of a guardian
- Do Not Intubate orders
- Artificial fluids or nutrition
- Dialysis for kidney failure.
- Blood Transfusions
- Major Surgery
- Life support in the event of a coma
- Treatment for incurable illness
- Comfort Care
- Organ or tissue donation wishes
Any additional information you would like to include about your preferred care at the end of life—things like whether you are comfortable living in a nursing home, where you would like to spend your final days of life, any concerns or fears about pain or familial burden, any religious or spiritual practices you want performed prior to your passing—can also be written into your Advance Directive.
Advance Directive Essentials: How Do You Make it Official?
Planning for the future can be daunting. With so many unknowns, it can be hard to know where to start. However, one critical step in preparing for the unexpected is ensuring your Advance Directive is legally recognized. To do this, it is important to fill out your state’s official form and have it signed by two witnesses. Additionally, depending on where you live, a notarized signature may also be required. It’s important to consult with one of our experienced Toledo Estate Planning and Probate attorneys to ensure that your directives are in line with state laws and will be honored if needed.
If all of that sounds like a headache already, you don’t have to worry. Our experienced Michigan and Ohio attorneys are more than ready to help you through this difficult process. Contact us today at 419-843-6663 or reach out to us online for your free consultation.
Michael Dansack is a Partner with GT&B. Mike began his career at GT&B in 1993 and has created a strong track record of protecting his clients’ rights in issues such as bankruptcy, probate and estate planning, and general practice.