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Why do I need a health care directive?

On Behalf of | Jun 29, 2020 | Estate Planning |

It’s your hope that you’re always able to make medical decisions for yourself. However, there could come a point when you’re unable to do so, such as the result of a serious accident or terminal illness.

Just because you create a health care directive doesn’t mean it will come into play in the future. However, having one of these in place will give you peace of mind.

Here are some of the many reasons why you need to create a health care directive:

  • To ensure that your wishes are carried out: This is the number one reason to create a health care directive. Without this, a loved one may make a decision that you don’t agree with. You can outline exactly what type of treatment you do and don’t want to receive.
  • To ensure that the right person is put in charge: As you create a health care directive, you must decide who you want to make health care decisions on your behalf. This depends on a variety of factors, but you can consider almost everyone. For example, you may want to choose your spouse, an adult child or a close friend. Before doing so, make sure they accept the responsibility.
  • Less stress on your family: When you create a health care directive, your family will know exactly what type of care you want to receive. There is no guesswork involved. They don’t have to worry about doing something that you don’t agree with.
  • Peace of mind: It’s difficult to think about the future, especially when you consider the potential for incapacity. However, it’s important that you act in a responsible manner, which means creating a health care directive. Once you have this in place, you’ll gain the peace of mind that you’re searching for. You never again have to worry about receiving the type of care you want (or don’t want).

While these are among the best reasons to create a health care directive, there are many others that you’ll come in touch with as you tackle the process.

Once you understand what you can and can’t include in your health care directive, it becomes much easier to take the appropriate action.

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