As your loved ones age, you should talk about their healthcare wishes and end-of-life care. One essential tool for preserving their wishes is an advance directive.
There are four key reasons why your loved one needs an advance directive.
1. Maintaining control over healthcare decisions
An advance directive allows your loved one to specify their healthcare preferences in the event they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. This document preserves their desires for specific treatment measures, even if they cannot make decisions for themselves.
2. Reducing family conflict and stress
When a loved one becomes seriously ill or incapacitated, family members may have differing opinions on the best course of action. An advance directive removes the guesswork and potential disagreements by clearly outlining your loved one’s wishes. This can alleviate stress and conflict among family members during an already difficult time.
3. Preventing unwanted medical interventions
Without an advance directive, your loved one may receive medical treatments they would not otherwise want, such as relying on life support indefinitely. By specifying their preferences for end-of-life care, including the use of life-sustaining treatments, your loved one ensures they receive only the care they desire.
4. Providing peace of mind
Having an advance directive in place provides peace of mind for both your aging loved one and your family. Your loved one clearly defines their wishes, while your family has the comfort of knowing their decisions are in line with your loved one’s preferences.
An advance directive provides valuable details for any comprehensive estate plan. Have the conversation with your loved one today and encourage them to create an advance directive that illustrates their preferences.
