For many, the right to make healthcare decisions is often taken for granted. Unfortunately, you may not think twice about this right until it is taken away from you. In the event you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make your own medical decisions, you’ll find that someone else will be put in charge of these decisions. As such, your wishes may not be honored. However, you have the ability to create a healthcare proxy to ensure you have a say in your treatment. If you’re not sure what a proxy is or how to create one, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with Tampa estate planning lawyers to discuss your options.
What Is a Healthcare Proxy?
Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that estate planning only encompasses your will and trust fund. In reality, there are a number of important documents you can create to help ensure your wishes are honored regardless of your circumstances. One such document is an advanced healthcare directive, which is comprised of two different aspects – a living will and a healthcare proxy. Both of these are crucial to have in place in the event you are deemed medically incapacitated, meaning you are unable to make decisions or you are unable to communicate, such as being in a coma or under anesthesia.
A living will allows you to specify the kind of medical treatment and care you would or would not like to receive. For example, you may decide that you would not like to be intubated and placed on a ventilator to help your breathing. However, you may want life-saving measures like CPR to be performed.
The other aspect of this plan, a healthcare proxy, is a person you’ve appointed to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. Generally, you’ll find that when you are incapacitated, your next of kin is charged with making choices regarding your health. Depending on your circumstances, you may not want this individual to make these decisions. As such, you should appoint a healthcare proxy. In addition to appointing the proxy, you should ensure you have adequate discussions about your healthcare so they can adhere to your wishes and make decisions with your best interests and desires in mind.
How Do I Create This Document?
If you wish to appoint a healthcare proxy, it’s in your best interest to create an advance healthcare directive to ensure all aspects of your future healthcare are accounted for. Typically, the most effective way to proceed is to discuss these circumstances with an experienced estate planning attorney. Unfortunately, if you try to create this document on your own, you may make errors that invalidate your wishes.
When you’re ready to take your future healthcare into your own hands, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney with Tampa Law Group. Our firm understands how overwhelming these matters can be to navigate on your own, which is why our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
