Today let’s discuss end-of-life care decisions. I know that no one likes to think about death; however, having a plan in place for end-of-life care is an important part of each client’s estate plan. Many of our clients will ask, what exactly does end-of-life care mean? End-of-life care is designed to make a patient comfortable, physically and emotionally, at the end of their life. Caregivers are not usually focused on curing any illnesses, but rather carrying out the wishes of the patient when death is near. Some considerations include:
- Does the patient prefer to die at home?
- Does the patient want life-sustaining treatment?
There are many options regarding end-of-life care. However, regardless of which option you choose, your wishes regarding end-of-life care should be legally documented in your advance directive/health care proxy and living will. An advance directive/healthcare proxy states who you want to oversee your medical care in the event you are unable to do so. It may also include instructions on medical evaluations and treatments, preferences regarding pain management and psychiatric care, and the preferable location of care. Your living will states your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment.
Without an advance directive/healthcare proxy in place, if you were to become incapacitated, your family would have to go to court to seek a guardianship, which as we mentioned yesterday can be a lengthy and costly process, and it does not guarantee that your wishes will be carried out. Having a properly drafted advance directive/health care proxy and a living will, are crucial in making sure your wishes are carried out. Each adult should have these documents in place and should make their wishes known to friends and family.
