What to Include in Your Advance Directives
Creating advance directives might not be a fun task, but it is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Also known as a “living will,” advance directives inform your doctors and loved ones on how you want to be treated if you are unable to express your own medical wishes.
Starting the process
Advance directives typically contain a document describing your medical wishes. Before you decide what you want to include in your advance directive or who your health care surrogate should be, start by considering what kind of health challenges you are likely to face and how you feel about certain healthcare decisions.
You may want to talk to your doctor about your current health, family history and what kind of care certain health conditions may require later in life. Learn about treatments, the effects they could have on your body and whether you may need to financially plan for long-term care.
What to include
After you have a better understanding of your health and the options available, include your wishes on the following:
- Designation of Healthcare Surrogate
- Potential organ and tissue donation
- Instructions regarding pacemakers and ICDs
Your physician can suggest other measures to protect you if you become incapacitated. When your advance directive is drawn up, give a copy to your healthcare surrogate. You may also want to make your wishes known to loved ones, so they are prepared.
Creating an advance directive is a key part of the estate planning process. The experienced estate planning attorneys at Baumann Kangas Estate Law in Tampa, FL can help you create your own. Call today to get started.