Dear Friend,

Imagine you’re suddenly unable to make your own medical decisions. Without a proper plan, your family might face confusion, stress, and disputes over what you would have wanted. This scenario is all too common and can leave your loved ones feeling helpless and burdened. That’s why it’s vital to include healthcare directives in your estate plan.

Planning for long-term care is about more than just preparing for the worst; it’s about ensuring your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are not left in a difficult position. With the right plan, you can specify your preferences for medical treatment, end-of-life care, and other critical healthcare decisions.

Healthcare directives, such as living wills and durable powers of attorney for healthcare, are essential tools in your estate plan. They provide clear instructions about your medical care if you become incapacitated. This can prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure you receive the care you desire.

A living will outlines your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments. It addresses scenarios where you might not be able to communicate your decisions, such as being in a coma or suffering from a severe illness. This document ensures that your preferences for treatments like resuscitation, tube feeding, and mechanical ventilation are known and respected.

A durable power of attorney for healthcare, on the other hand, appoints someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. This person, known as your healthcare proxy, can make decisions in real-time based on your stated preferences and specific circumstances. Having a trusted person in this role can provide immense relief and clarity to your family during stressful times.

Failing to integrate healthcare directives into your estate plan can lead to significant problems. Without these directives, your family might face prolonged legal battles, making it difficult to access your medical records or make decisions about your care. This can result in treatments you would not have wanted or, worse, a delay in receiving necessary medical attention.

Moreover, without clear directives, your family could face emotional and financial stress. Disputes over medical decisions can tear families apart and drain your estate’s resources through legal fees and prolonged hospital stays.

Integrating healthcare directives into your estate plan is not as daunting as it may seem. Start by discussing your wishes with your family and loved ones. It’s essential to communicate your preferences clearly so that everyone understands your desires.

When your ready to move forward, call my office. We will help you draft your living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare. These documents will be tailored to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring that every detail is covered.

Once these documents are in place, we will help you regularly review and update your healthcare directives. Life circumstances and medical advancements can change, so it’s crucial to keep your directives current. You’ll want to be sure your appointed healthcare proxy remains someone you trust implicitly and who understands your values and wishes.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The best time to plan for long-term care is now, while you’re healthy and able to make informed decisions. Taking action today ensures that your healthcare preferences are honored and that your family is spared the stress and uncertainty of making these decisions on their own.

By integrating healthcare directives into your estate plan, you take control of your future and provide clear guidance for your loved ones. This proactive step can make all the difference in ensuring your wishes are respected, and your family is protected.

At Bascom Law, we specialize in helping clients like you create comprehensive estate plans that include vital healthcare directives. Our goal is to give you peace of mind and ensure your legacy is protected. Contact us today at 770-285-5493 to schedule a consultation and start planning for your long-term care needs.

Your future is too important to leave to chance. Let’s work together to ensure your wishes are honored and your family is supported.

Sincerely and thanks,

Mike Bascom

Bascom Law, PC