Because of Terri Schiavo, many individuals, regardless of age, became aware of the importance of communicating their healthcare wishes. Her case, which ensued after Schiavo suffered heart failure and subsequent brain damage at the age of 26, involved a seven-year battle between her husband and parents over a healthcare decision for which she left no written instruction — whether she would have wanted to live by being sustained through feeding tubes and life support. As Schiavo did not have a living will, the courts were required to decide her fate, leaving speculation as to what she would have truly wanted.
Living Will
A living will is also known as a "health care declaration." This is a document in which you can express specific wishes with regard to what medical care you wish to receive in the event you are incapacitated or too ill to make decisions on your own.
This document can be used to cover your wishes regarding specific treatment methods such as resuscitation, surgery, use of respirators, administration of drugs, food, water and pain relief. The document does not allow you to select someone to act on your behalf.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
To ensure that your wishes are met if you are unable to communicate, you can name a healthcare agent in addition to or as part of your living will. A Healthcare Power of Attorney enables you to provide authority to a healthcare agent to make decisions regarding your healthcare needs in the event that you cannot. While we strongly suggest that you name a healthcare agent, it is not a requirement.
In some states, this person is called a "healthcare proxy" or "attorney in fact," even though the person does not need to be an attorney. You are able to give as little or as much control to this person as you want. For example, you can give this person the authority to make decisions based solely on the wishes stated in your living will and/or make decisions as he or she deems necessary when unforeseen instances arise. While this responsibility usually ends at the time of your death, it is also possible to give your agent the authority to oversee issues relating to organ donations and body disposition after death.
In some states, the living will and healthcare power of attorney can be combined into a single form — often called an "advance directive." In most cases, these documents take effect as soon as your doctor or other healthcare official determines that you do not have the ability to understand the healthcare options available to you, and you are unable to physically communicate your wishes regarding your care. If there is ever doubt about the level of "incapacity," then your doctor, in conjunction with your agent or close relatives, will decide the best time for the documents to go into effect.
Choosing a Healthcare Agent
You should take into consideration the following factors when choosing an agent:
- Do you trust the person without a doubt?
- Is the person someone you know will assert your wishes if conflict arises involving family members or your doctor?
- Where does the person reside? This is especially important in a case when you have a long illness, and the agent needs to stay close to you for a period of time to oversee your care.
- Will the person also oversee your finances in the event of your incapacity? In the case where you have separate agents, disagreements could cause interference with medical decisions, especially when payment is needed to cover medical expenses.
It is also important, but not required, to select an alternate agent in the event that your first choice is not able to assume the responsibility. It is possible to have more than one agent.
It is important to note that you must be at least 18 years old to create a living will or healthcare power of attorney. You must also be of sound mind and be able to understand what the documents are and how they work. As with most legal documents, you must sign these documents and have them witnessed and notarized.
It is important to state your specific healthcare wishes in a living will. Your doctor or medical institution will be required to follow these wishes. At the very least, communicate your wishes to those close to you – your family members and close friends. For more information on your options, talk to your estate-planning lawyer or contact The Henssler Financial Group at 770-429-9166 or comments@henssler.com.
