For many, making medical decisions is deeply personal. However, it is something that many take for granted. Unfortunately, you may not appreciate this autonomy until it is gone. If you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your wishes, someone else will be tasked with making these choices for you. As such, it’s important to protect yourself in these matters by creating an advanced healthcare directive. The following blog explores what this is and how to establish one with the assistance of Tampa advanced healthcare directive lawyers.

What Is an Advanced Healthcare Directive?

An advanced healthcare directive is a part of someone’s estate plan that allows you to dictate your wishes for the medical care you would like to receive in the event you become incapacitated or otherwise cannot communicate your wishes. This includes falling into a coma or exhibiting symptoms of a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s.

Essentially, by creating a directive, you have the opportunity to take control of your medical care in the future. You can dictate the measures you would or would not like taken and include specific terms that adhere to your religious or personal beliefs.

If you do not have a plan in place, often your next of kin is tasked with making these decisions on your behalf. This means your medical care can be left in the hands of an estranged family member who may not know you well and certainly would not know what kind of care you would or would not like to receive.

What Can I Include in My Plan?

In your advance healthcare directive, you’ll generally establish two sub-documents. The first is your living will, which you will create to dictate the kind of care you would like to receive. Reading the document carefully is important to ensure you write down your wishes correctly. You will be asked to make deeply personal decisions regarding things like end-of-life care, what measures you would or would not like, and whether or not you would like to donate organs, among other considerations.

Another important part of your advanced healthcare directive is appointing a surrogate. This allows you to name someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. They will advocate for the medical care you have requested in your living will, and will make decisions if something else should arise that may not have been covered in your living will.

Making decisions regarding healthcare is something that you should have full control over. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through creating this plan so you can have peace of mind that your wishes will be honored. At Tampa Law Group, we understand how important these matters are, which is why we are dedicated to helping make this process as easy as possible. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you.