You can take steps today to plan for your future medical care
It is impossible to know the future and predict what will happen even a month from now, yet there are steps you can take to have more control over your long-term interests. Michigan readers understand that one way to do this is by having a strong and thoughtful estate plan in place. As part of your estate plan, you may consider planning for your future medical care as well.
You may not know what type of medical care you will need in the future, but there are certain estate planning tools that will allow you to outline your wishes in case of incapacitation. This is possible through a health care power of attorney and other documents. Taking these steps can give you great confidence for the future.
What is a health care power of attorney?
It is your body, and you have the right to have a say over what will happen to it, even if you cannot express your wishes and desires at the time. A power of attorney for health care can allow you to do the following:
- You can name a specific person to act on your behalf and make decisions on issues not included in your living will.
- This will provide you with a person to supplement your living will, but he or she cannot override the terms of that document.
- It allows you to have extra security in case of extreme medical emergencies or health situations.
Most people draft a health care power of attorney in conjunction with a living will. If you do not have either of these documents as part of your estate plan, you have no time to lose in moving forward with this step.
If you do not have these documents in place, you relinquish the right to say what will happen to you in case of a serious accident or illness that prevents you from verbalizing your wishes and refusing or accepting certain types of treatment.
A complete estate plan
You may benefit from more than just a simple will. Planning for your future health care today can take a significant amount of concern and stress out of tomorrow. This will also protect your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions on your behalf.
A complete evaluation of your current plans will help you understand what else you need to complete your estate plan. Regardless of your age, health status or income, this is a prudent and beneficial step for you.