Here are three reasons it's important to have an Advanced Healthcare Directive as part of your estate plan:
Participate in your Care
Making decisions about end-of-life care isn’t easy. Some people value prolonging of life over all else, where others prioritize relief of pain and suffering, or the effects of one’s care on loved ones. Whatever you decide, planning ahead will help you consider these important issues and communicate them with your friends, family and healthcare providers in a time and place where you can think things through clearly. An advance directive is a legal document that doctors and hospitals must honor. When you have an Advanced Healthcare Directive set up, it allows you to participate in your own medical care when you aren't able to speak for yourself.
Be Prepared
Many people think that they do not need to plan for their care until they reach the later stages of life. However, end-of-life situations can happen to anyone. Creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive ensures that you and your family are prepared for any medical situation that may come your way.
Comfort your loved ones
Caregiving is hard. It’s stressful to make an end-of-life decision for someone you love if you don’t know their wishes. And, it can cause friction within a family if people’s views are not aligned. Having an advanced healthcare directive and sharing it with the people you love helps bring your family together and provides comfort to them that they are following your wishes should they need to act on your behalf.
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