As my friend is dealing with the “end of life” decisions regarding her father a number of things come to mind. Some of the most difficult decisions one makes in their lifetime are regarding their “end of life”. It can also be where you are assisting a loved one with their “end of life”. This is the time when they, or we, are dying. They, or we, are terminal and there is no real chance of recovery. This is a time and place in life where everyone is acutely aware that life is finite. One is not counting the years or the months, but possibly the days, hours and minutes.
You can help those who help you and help your loved ones if you prepare your Estate Plan ahead of time to properly cover the issues of “end of life”. This includes a “Living Will” that consents to your being taken off a ventilator if you are terminal, incurable and death is imminent. It also applies if you are in a persistent vegetative state and will not be coming back mentally. One also needs a “Health Care Power of Attorney” so that those that you love are authorized to take action on your behalf in regards to medical care. The “Health Care Designation” aka “HIPPA” provides access to information to those you list. Given the Federal Privacy Laws, unless you provide the names of certain loved ones, those loved ones are not going to be able to have access to medical information regarding your care. If your parents, senior friends or others may be ill, do encourage them to have this Legal Work completed if they have not. This allows you and other loved ones to help take action at this most important time in their lives. Also have your own done if you have not done so.
Many people fill out a “5 Wishes” or some other version of a written document regarding their end of life care – including medical treatment wanted – or refused. You can prepare a written letter of your desires. Make sure your loved ones know where those instructions and your legal Estate Plan, are kept.
These are all difficult decisions which need to be planned for with your loved ones, support team and advocates ahead of when it is needed. The proper Estate Planning Healthcare Legal work needs to be in place for “end of life” issues.
At the Law Firm of Steven Andrew Jackson, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, we have helped hundreds of families protect themselves and their loved ones, avoid Estate Taxes and Probate Costs, and keep their Estate Plans current with the law through The Customized Protective Estate Planning Solution™.