An estate plan allows people to manage their legacy and help ensure their assets are distributed to loved ones after a person passes away. However, an estate plan is not only used for the distribution of assets. People can also use an estate plan to manage their future health care.
There are two documents that can be arranged in an estate plan for future health care: a living will and a power of attorney. Both of these documents focus on a person’s long-term health and end-of-life care if they become incapacitated. This can happen if they suffer an injury or develop a medical condition that disables them physically or cognitively. People can consider making one or both of these documents depending on their wants and needs. Here is what you should know:
What is a living will?
A living will is a document that allows a person to direct their medical preferences, especially for end-of-life care matters. This document has a limited selection of predetermined, health care decisions, such as resuscitation, ventilation, dialysis and life support. Some other decisions to make with a living will include organ and tissue donation and extended living after a person has no brain activity, for example. Medical practitioners can follow the directives left in a living will.
What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is the legal authorization for an agent to act on behalf of a person. This power of attorney can make medical decisions for an incapacitated person in their best interests. An agent’s power can extend beyond the decisions outlined in a living will, allowing them to make decisions for unique situations. For example, an agent may decide whether a person would undergo surgery, take medication or receive assisted living.
It can help to reach out for legal guidance to learn more about your future health care options in your estate plan.
