American Heart Month And Healthcare Directives

Many of us celebrate Valentine’s Day each February, which is a great reason to call it American Heart Month. While this makes us think about our current health, it should also make us plan for future medical decisions. We want to be with our loved ones for a long time, but when something happens that we can no longer care for ourselves, it’s best to have a plan in place. So that’s why American Heart Month and Healthcare Directives come together so well.

American Heart Month And Healthcare Directives

A healthcare directive is a legal form that tells your doctors and loved ones your decisions regarding medical care and end-of-life actions. The doctors will access this form and follow the guidelines when you cannot tell them your wishes. This can be used in a temporary situation, such as if you are in a car accident and cannot inform the medical staff of the level of your care. It is also used when you are nearing the end of your life and want the doctors and your loved ones to carry out your final medical wishes.

When you already have a healthcare directive in place, your loved ones are not put in a situation where they must make difficult medical decisions for you. A healthcare directive allows you to tell everyone your medical decisions, and it takes the burden off of your loved ones. This easy step can save them time and money while helping them avoid arguments during probate regarding your medical decisions.

What Is Included In A Healthcare Directive?

Three documents make up the majority of a healthcare directive. Each situation is different, and you can choose which documents work best for you.

• A living will. This tells of the medical care you want if you have a terminal condition or are in a persistent vegetative state. A living will tells your medical providers what level of care you want and when you want it to stop.
• A durable power of attorney. A medical power of attorney will become active when you are no longer able to make medical decisions for yourself. It allows one person to make decisions for you, and the doctors will follow this person’s instructions.
• Healthcare instructions. This is another way to list your medical wishes. It allows you to specify what level of treatment you want, such as do you want to be on dialysis, have blood transfusions, or have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate).

Remember that American Heart Month and healthcare directives should both be recognized in February. An experienced estate and probate attorney can help you build a healthcare directive specific to you.

Oak Brook Estate Planning Attorney

An Illinois estate planning lawyer can help you create an advanced healthcare directive. Consulting an experienced probate, trust and estates attorney in Chicago can give you protection and peace of mind. Contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group at 630-864-5835. 

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