“…nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin
Now that Tax Day is behind most of us, this spring would be a good time to think about decisions that affect us and our loved ones.
When it comes to medical care and treatment, most people feel better when they participate in these decisions. This is especially true when it comes to the healthcare and medical interventions you wish to receive or not receive. Wishes are personal and extremely important, but they need to be known to be honored.
To avoid uncertainty, get a legally binding Advance Healthcare Directive for peace of mind. Advance Directives ensure that individuals’ healthcare preferences are respected, provide clarity for family and medical professionals, and can help avoid difficult decisions during a crisis.
Creating an Advance Directive requires thoughtful consideration. It is part of a process that involves thinking about your future medical care and talking with those who are close to you about how you want to live, during serious illness. The sooner you begin planning, the sooner you and your loved ones will have a clear understanding of what you want.
The most important thing to remember is that as difficult as this conversation may be, it would be even more difficult for your loved ones to make those decisions for you, without knowing what you would and would not have wanted.
You accomplish at least two things by completing advance directives, regardless of whether you direct all possible treatment, no treatment or only some treatment. First, you ensure that the treatment you receive is the treatment you desire – no more and no less. Second, you take the burden off your family and friends to make those decisions for you, at a time when they will most likely be emotionally upset by your critical condition or serious illness.
Key Takeaways
· Advance Directives communicate your preferred medical treatment at the time of mental or physical incapacity.
· If you cannot communicate and do not have Advance Directives, your medical care is based on state medical default practices.
· You should communicate your living wishes to family members.
To access the form, go to: https://missourilawyershelp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DPOA-2023.pdf
or, visit the Scotland County Hospital Business Office, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. Please note, once the form is complete, you must have a Notary Public signature and stamp. Once completed, keep a copy easily accessible for you and your family.
