For the majority of people, making medical decisions is something we take for granted. Though you may carefully consider your options when faced with different choices regarding your health, you may not stop to appreciate your autonomy and ability to make these decisions. However, it’s important to understand that there may come a time when you cannot express your wishes, so it’s critical to take the necessary steps to plan for the worst-case scenario. One thing you should consider doing if you have not done so already is creating an advanced healthcare directive. If you’re where to start or creating one is important, you’ll want to keep reading and connect with a Pasco County, FL healthcare surrogate designation lawyer who can help guide you through these complex matters.
How Does an Advanced Healthcare Directive Work?
An advanced healthcare directive is a plan that allows you to explicate your medical wishes in the event you become incapacitated. For example, if you fall into a coma or are diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease that inhibits your ability to make decisions, your advanced healthcare directive can ensure you get the care you want.
Many take making medical decisions for granted, only realizing how important this is when it’s too late. As such, planning for the future can help ensure that your wishes will be honored. If you do not have a plan in place, your medical care will be left to your next of kin. They may not know what your wishes are and, for some, this could be someone you are entirely estranged from. However, an advanced healthcare directive allows you to appoint someone to take control of your care in accordance with your wishes.
What Should I Include in My Plan?
Typically, an advanced healthcare directive will consist of two things – a living will and a healthcare surrogate. Your living will allow you to establish the care you would and would not like to receive. For example, you can dictate what measures you would like to be taken in certain situations so that the doctors can align your treatment with your moral or religious beliefs. This includes establishing things like a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate order) or dictating things like whether or not you want a feeding tube.
In addition to a living will, you can also appoint a healthcare surrogate. This is someone you’ve named to make medical decisions on your behalf. Generally, this should be someone you trust and who understands your wishes and beliefs. If a situation arises that is not covered in your living will, your surrogate will be tasked with making the decision. Additionally, they are there to advocate for the care you want on your behalf.
Making medical decisions is not something you take lightly, so it shouldn’t be left up in the air. Connecting with the Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna is critical to ensuring your advance healthcare directive is legally binding so you can achieve peace of mind that your wishes will be honored. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances and learn how we can assist you.