How can you relay your medical care wishes in an estate plan?

Many people think about the distribution of assets when they’re creating an estate plan, but that’s not the only thing that an estate plan entails. You can also relay your wishes regarding your healthcare if you become incapacitated. 

By making your wishes known and setting everything up in your estate plan, you can make it much easier for your loved ones if you pass away. There are two things to consider when you’re getting the plan set. 

A power of attorney and an advanced directive work together

The first thing that you need to do is to set the healthcare power of attorney. This is a document that provides the person of your choice with the ability to make decisions about your healthcare if you’re unable to make those decisions yourself. The person you name should know your wishes and be able to stand up for those, as well as being able to put aside their own wishes to follow yours. 

You also need to set up your advanced directive, which is a document that relays your wishes in writing. You can include decisions like whether you want to receive artificial nutrition or be placed on a ventilator. Your medical power of attorney designee steps in to make decisions for matters that aren’t covered in your advanced directive. 

These are only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Getting everything together can help to ensure your loved ones know your wishes and that those wishes can be legally enforced.