The advances in medical technology have given us the ability
to live longer and healthier lives. Although these innovations have allowed us to spend more quality time
with our loved ones, certain procedures and techniques are used to keep
individuals “alive” when their mind and body have ceased to function naturally. This type of treatment may be or may
not be what you desire if/when you reach a situation in which you are no longer
able to make decisions for yourself.
In order to ensure that your wishes are carried out upon your
incapacity, it is recommended that every individual over 18 years of age have a
General Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney and a Living
Will. The following is short
summary of each one of these documents:
1. General Power of Attorney (“GPOA”)—a GPOA grants another individual, known as your agent, to handle your assets in the event of your incapacity. This would allow your agent broad authority to make decisions concerning your real and personal property. Because of this broad power, it is essential that you name an agent you trust to make such decisions.
2. Health Care Power of attorney (“HCPOA”)—a HCPOA is similar to a GPOA except that the agent is granted the authority to make decisions concerning your medical decisions and obtaining access to your medical records or information.
3. Living Will—a Living Will lets your loved ones and your attending physician know your desires concerning treatment that would only prolong the process of dying, such as receiving artificial hydration and nutrition, when you can no longer make decisions for yourself. Additionally, a Living Will is only used in the instance that you have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause your death within a relatively short time frame.
1. General Power of Attorney (“GPOA”)—a GPOA grants another individual, known as your agent, to handle your assets in the event of your incapacity. This would allow your agent broad authority to make decisions concerning your real and personal property. Because of this broad power, it is essential that you name an agent you trust to make such decisions.
2. Health Care Power of attorney (“HCPOA”)—a HCPOA is similar to a GPOA except that the agent is granted the authority to make decisions concerning your medical decisions and obtaining access to your medical records or information.
3. Living Will—a Living Will lets your loved ones and your attending physician know your desires concerning treatment that would only prolong the process of dying, such as receiving artificial hydration and nutrition, when you can no longer make decisions for yourself. Additionally, a Living Will is only used in the instance that you have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause your death within a relatively short time frame.
It’s
that time of the year where we gather with family, exchange gifts and watch an
endless cycle of Christmas movies.
While your family is together, it may be the perfect time to discuss
your preferences for your end of life decisions. It may be unpleasant to think about but I’m sure everyone
would rather make these decisions themselves and relieve your family of that
burden.
