FAQs About Advance Directives
It is natural to want to avoid thinking about unpleasant topics, such as what would happen if you suddenly became incapacitated due to illness or injury. An advance directive informs your doctor and other healthcare providers the type of care you want to receive, or do not want to receive, if you cannot make decisions on your own. An advance directive names a person to act on your behalf and inform medical professionals about the care you want to receive.
Drafting an advance directive is not as straightforward as it may seem. If you are thinking about creating this important form of protection for yourself, you may have many questions. Below, our New Port Richey advance directives lawyer provides the answers to some of the most common questions we hear.
When Should You Draft an Advanced Directive?
Some people put off drafting an advance directive until they suffer from a life-threatening illness. This is a mistake. Firstly, if you are already seriously ill, there may be questions surrounding the validity of the directive and whether you were of sound mind when you created it. Also, no one can predict the future and whether they will suddenly be rendered incapacitated. As such, it is always advised that you draft an advance directive as soon as possible, while you are healthy.
How Does an Advance Directive Help Your Loved Ones?
Due to the fact that advance directives outline your wishes, it is natural to assume that they only benefit you. This is not true. Advance directives can also greatly benefit your family. If you ever do become incapacitated, your family members may want to act according to your wishes, but they may not know what they are. Disputes may also arise regarding what your wishes were. Drafting an advance directive can eliminate guilt, uncertainty, and disputes among family members.
Are Advance Directives and DNRs the Same?
No. An advance directive is part of your estate plan and outlines your wishes for the medical care you want to receive. A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order states that you do not want any life-saving measures taken in the event of respiratory or cardiac arrest.
How Will My Loved Ones Know of My Wishes?
Your doctor may not have a copy of your advance directive. To ensure your wishes are fulfilled after drafting one, it is important to speak to the person you have designated to make decisions on your behalf. Also tell them where the original copy is stored so they can show other family members if ever necessary.
Our Advance Directives Lawyer in New Port Richey Can Draft Your Documents
Planning for your future is not easy. At Messina Law Group, P.A., our New Port Richey advance directive lawyer can draft yours and make sure you are fully protected in the event that it ever becomes necessary. Call us now at (813) 492-7798 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
quality.healthfinder.fl.gov/report-guides/advance-directives
