3 benefits of drafting an advance health care directive
Adults generally have the legal authority necessary to establish estate plans. They can draft wills and fund trusts. They can also plan for potential future emergencies.
Unmarried and divorced individuals, adults preparing for retirement and those facing major medical challenges might decide to draft an advance medical directive. The goal is to provide clear instructions regarding their health care preferences if they experience an emergency and become incapacitated.
What are some of the potential benefits of establishing advance directives?
1. Bypassing family involvement
The state maintains a registry for advance directives. Health care providers can access the directory when they need to make care decisions about an incapacitated individual. It may be possible for those without immediate family support to rely on health care providers to follow their instructions after they register their directives with the state.
2. Reducing familial stress
Even if family members are available to provide support and oversee care choices, doing so can be very challenging. Those who have a close relationship with an incapacitated person may feel anxious when they make decisions about their care and can second-guess themselves. An advance health care directive reduces stress by making it clear what type of care a person wants to receive.
3. Limiting familial conflict
Sometimes, two adult children of an incapacitated individual might disagree about their parent’s preferences. Other times, children might end up fighting with a stepparent over what care their parents should receive in an emergency. An advance health care directive provides clear guidance that can easily diffuse conflicts among those concerned about an incapacitated patient.
Taking the time to establish an advance health care directive and to update it regularly as personal wishes and medical needs change can be a beneficial choice. Those who plan carefully can protect themselves and their loved ones accordingly.