Jul 12 2023 23 mins
This week is a very important topic - living wills, advanced directives, and healthcare proxies.
It is critical to have a conversation about these topics, and I encourage you to choose a trusted advocate or caregiver who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to.
Please don't forget to document important information that may be crucial in times of emergency or if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself:
- Keep track of passwords, bank accounts, and contact information for renovation workers.
- Set up a legacy contact with Apple, enabling access to a deceased person's computer.
- Check for updates to these documents regularly as you change passwords or as things in your life change
These steps can ease the burden on loved ones during difficult times. We also discuss different names for advanced directives, which may vary from state to state. In some areas, they may be referred to as healthcare agents or patient advocates. The key is to ensure you have a documented process for your medical decisions such as preferences regarding organ donation, pain management, resuscitation, ventilation, feeding tubes, and palliative care.
By documenting these preferences, individuals can ensure that their wishes are respected and followed. When in doubt, consult with a lawyer regarding these documents and make sure you carry a copy with you at all times/you have a copy in your medical record.