No one likes to think about what might happen if they’re unable to communicate with health care providers, but unexpected illnesses and accidents can happen to anyone. For seniors, who experience debilitating conditions at higher rates, elder law provides a variety of legal tools that ensure their wishes are always respected. To help you understand how to develop an estate plan that caters to your needs if you can’t communicate, here are a few documents to discuss with your attorney.

What Seniors Should Include In Their Estate Plans

1. Financial Power of Attorney

If you’re mentally or physically incapacitated, your spouse or a trusted family member will need a financial power of attorney to sell property, pay your bills, or manage your investments. By giving someone you trust the legal authority to act on your behalf through this elder law document, you protect your assets and ensure you continue receiving the care you need in case you’re incapacitated by an illness or accident.

2. Medical Power of Attorney

Being forced to make medical decisions for a loved one is extremely stressful, often sparking disputes in the closest of families. A medical power of attorney allows you to choose someone to make these decisions when you can’t make them yourself, preventing conflict and ensuring you get the treatment you’d want.

3. Living Wills

A living will, also known as an advance medical directive, contains instructions regarding end-of-life care. These documents can contain Do Not Resuscitate orders, consent for certain treatments, and descriptions of acceptable outcomes, sparing your family from having to make any choices. Since a living will contains instructions that come directly from you, it shields your loved ones from agonizing decisions and can help them accept any requests about your health.

As an experienced elder law attorney, Alan A. Panek Law Office, S.C. is dedicated to helping clients throughout central Wisconsin protect themselves and their families. He gives every client the individualized attention they deserve and tailors solutions to unique needs. He can also help with matters involving trusts, estates, collections, probate, some real estate law, and guardianships. Visit his website to view his practice areas, or call (715) 421-4900 to schedule your initial consultation.