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A Comprehensive Estate Plan Should Include A Health Care Directive

Medical Authorization And End-Of-Life Care

When a person becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, doctors and family members may need to make decisions about medical care. A health care directive gives clear authority to act on your behalf and clear direction regarding life support and other measures.

Health care directives are just as important as a will or financial powers of attorney. Without such a document, your wishes may not be followed or your loved ones may face wrenching decisions.

The Ohio attorneys of Mahaffey & Associates, can help you work through these sensitive considerations. We will carefully draft your estate planning documents to ensure that you are well-cared for and your wishes are known and respected.

Health Care Directives And Living Wills

A health care directive is sometimes called an advance directive or living will. It is invoked if you are unable to communicate (or not of sound mind) due to accident, illness or dementia.

The directive can appoint a health care proxy, a specific person whom you trust to make decisions on your behalf. Or, it can simply give direction to doctors and other caregivers. Health care directives can express your desires regarding:

  • Surgery authorization
  • Access to medical records
  • Heroic measures or DNR (do not resuscitate)
  • Intubation and life support
  • Nursing home care
  • End-of-life care (pain medication, last rites, visitors, etc.)

Put Your Wishes And Values In Writing

Everyone should have a health care directive, regardless of his or her health status today. Advance directives can prevent family disputes or critical delays in a medical crisis situation. It should also give you peace of mind to know what would happen if you could not direct your own care.

Our experienced lawyers can address this in the broader context of estate plans and elder law planning. Our health care directive attorneys offer a free initial phone consultation, and we have an office in Sylvania. Call 419-741-0111 or contact us online.