Dealing with end-of-life matters is not something people want to consider as they live in the moment. But confronting the unknown can help you prepare for the worst-case scenario, ensuring you get the care you want and that your family isn't left to make tough decisions.
An advance directive is one document you should prepare now with the best elder law lawyer New York City has to offer. Contrary to popular belief, this document isn't exclusive to the elderly. Accidents can happen, and you never know when you'll be in a situation that requires tough decision-making. This document makes your care preferences known, leaving guilt or emotion-driven choices out of the mix.
What is an Advance Directive?
You can think of an advance directive as a living document. It's a part of advance care planning that details your preferred care in case you become incapacitated. The goal is to have a legally binding document that describes your preferences without a shadow of a doubt. In those worst-case scenarios, the advance directive is your way of speaking up when you cannot physically speak for yourself.
What Does an Advance Directive Include?
This document can change as you age. You're free to update it as your goals and motivations evolve.
The most significant component of the advance directive revolves around what you want medical experts to do to keep you alive. Physicians have many emergency treatments to resuscitate you or avoid death. Some examples include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), ventilation machines, feeding tubes, etc.
These techniques can be effective in some cases. But, there are no guarantees, and some believe they prolong the inevitable. An advance directive can prohibit or encourage these treatments. You can also include Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, Do Not Intubate (DNI) orders, dictate organ donation, and more.
Another critical component is the durable power of attorney. The durable power of attorney is a document naming a health care proxy who will make medical decisions for you when you cannot.
Advance directives and other planning documents are complex but necessary. For guidance, you can turn to elder law lawyer New York City professionals.
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