The baby boomer generation has been pictured as the generation that never get older and never think about the future. But even the baby boomers are getting older. No matter what your age you should make plans for the future that includes illness and eventual death. Your planning should encompass all parts of your life, you need to have a financial plan, to help pay for your retirement. You need to have a will to take care of those you leave behind and you need to have advance directives to help ease the burden on loved ones in the event you become unable to direct you own care. Advanced directives can ensure that your wishes are followed in the event that you become too ill to make your own medical decisions.
There are two separate forms of advance directives. One is a durable power of attorney for healthcare, or healthcare proxy. The other is a living will or medical directive. Some people have a combination of the two. Laws vary from state to state regarding advance directives. Contact an attorney or check out your states' Web site for specific information for your state. If you move to another state you should also consult with a lawyer, as you will most likely have to fill out new paperwork.
I talked with a lawyer who specializes in estate planning in the State of Texas. She includes advance directives for her clients as a part of their estate planning. Her average price for this type of service usually runs around $300.00. This can vary with more complex estates. This expense is well worth it and may avoid long and costly legal battles later on. Estate planning can also help to preserve property for a surviving spouse.
Advance directives have several functions. These are:
- To decide ahead of time what medical procedures you do or do not want. This usually involves decisions about breathing machines, IV's, CPR, or administration of food, water, and medications.
- Advance directives assist your family in making very difficult decisions.
- Advance directives can also be used to make sure your wishes are followed if they are different from your family's wishes.
A durable power of attorney for healthcare is not the same as a regular power of attorney. You must have a specific durable power of attorney for healthcare if you want the person with your power of attorney to make healthcare decisions for you. In it, you designate a person who makes medical decisions for you if you are too ill and unable to make them. Most people choose to have a family member or close friend be the decision maker, but that is an individual decision..
Many healthcare providers suggest that all people, no matter what their age or health should have either a durable power of attorney for healthcare or a living will. Encourage your adult children to have an estate plan with Advance Directives too. Death does not discriminate when it comes to age. Make sure your healthcare provider also has a copy of any legal documents that affect your healthcare.
