Even if you’re young and healthy, a sudden accident or serious illness can leave you unable to communicate with your doctors. In this difficult situation, your family members may argue about the appropriate medical care or make decisions regarding your health that you wouldn’t agree with. Advance directives are essential to estate planning, giving you the power to make these important decisions yourself.

What Are Advance Directives?

Advance directives are estate planning documents that give you the opportunity to express your own wishes regarding end-of-life care. If you’re unable to speak for yourself and doctors don’t expect you to recover, your directive allows you to consent to medical procedures, describe acceptable outcomes, and tell doctors whether they should take extraordinary measures to extend your life.

For instance, an advance directive can include instructions about using ventilators, CPR, and feeding tubes. You might also decide when you would prefer hospice care as opposed to further treatment measures.

What Documents Should You Prepare?

“Advance directive” is a general term for any type of document that dictates your health care wishes. It can also include the creation of a medical power of attorney, also known as a health care proxy. This gives someone you trust the authority to make decisions on your behalf.

The person you choose will be able to consent to medical procedures, choose between different treatment options, and discuss your medical condition with the staff.

Tips for Preparing an Advance Directive

Contemplating these scenarios can be daunting, but it’s important to consider all scenarios when preparing your estate plan. Most attorneys recommend making your thoughts about certain procedures as clear as possible while still leaving the document open-ended. Describing what outcomes you’d accept or ruling out certain procedures gives your medical team room to interpret your wishes according to the situation.

The future is uncertain, but Peter Harrison at Trailhead Estate Planning in Signal Mountain, TN, has the experience and in-depth legal knowledge to provide security and peace of mind. He’ll take the time to understand your priorities and draft documents that ensure that you and your loved ones are protected. Visit the website for more information on his broad range of estate planning services, or call (423) 228-7029 to make an appointment.