Step 6: Medical

The Main Questions

  • What’s you’re quality of life?

  • If you were unable to make your own medical decisions, do you have someone you trust to make those decisions for you?

  • Does this person have the time, energy, recourses, and knowledge to fulfill your wishes?

  • If they weren’t available, who would your backup be?

  • Is it important for you to have an advanced medical order that outlines your wishes for treatments like intubation, antibiotics, or feeding tubes?

  • Which of the following Advanced Medical Directives are you interested in?

When planning your estate, it’s vital to address medical concerns to ensure your wishes are honored if you can’t advocate for yourself. Here will prepare key medical documents that outline your preferences and appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf. This safeguards your healthcare choices and provides peace of mind for your loved ones.

Example

  • Average - I feel okay, with moderate energy and some health concerns.

  • Yes, my best friend Sabrina Spellman.

  • Yes, my cousin Samantha Stephens.

  • Yes, I want to document my preferences.

  • Health Care Proxy and DNR.

 Key Terms

    • Various types of legal documents that outline all of your medical preferences if you are unable to communicate them.

    • Specifies your medical treatment preferences if you can't communicate them yourself. This is not the same a standard will which does not apply to your heath.

    • Appoints someone to make medical, legal and potentially other types of decisions on your behalf if you're unable.

    • Outlines detailed preferences for life-sustaining treatments in various healthcare settings.

    • Designates someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you're incapacitated.

    • Instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing.

Common Misconceptions

Myth 1

“If I name someone for Durable Power of Attorney I give up the right to make my own decision.”

Myth 2

“Once I complete an Advanced Medical Directive it can’t be changed for the rest of my life.”

Myth 3

“My doctor is the only one who needs a copy of my Advanced Medical Directives.”

Myth 4

“An Advanced Medical Directive means ‘Do not treat.’”