What do you know about the reasons to have a health care directive?

On Behalf of | Sep 10, 2021 | Estate Planning

When you think of estate planning, you likely think of the documents you and your loved ones need after your death. Some aspects of estate planning involve making end-of-life decisions via a health care directive.

Just Care breaks down several advantages of adding a health care directive to your estate plan. Let your loved ones know the type of medical care you want to receive if you cannot communicate your desires.

Health care goals

For emergency medical situations, would you rather prolong your life or prevent suffering? A health care directive keeps you in the driver’s seat for these decisions, even if you fall into a coma or become medically unresponsive. The estate planning document also gives you the chance to think about the specific medical procedures and equipment you feel comfortable with.

Medical emergencies

You never know when a medical emergency may befall you. Health care directives give you the peace of mind of knowing you are prepared for the unexpected, which could make a distressing situation a degree easier for your friends and family.

Comforting loved ones

Without a health care directive, those closest to you could struggle with making medical decisions for you. Disagreements and conflict could break out if your loved ones disagree on what you would want. A health care directive eliminates much of the guesswork and lets your friends and family know your exact wishes.

Medical professionals

Other than loved ones, medical professionals should know the end-of-life care you desire. Your health care directive could save doctors, nurses, specialists and others a lot of time and resources.

A single document could save you and those closest to you a lot of anguish.