A medical power of attorney and living will are important preparatory documents that can take the burden off of your family when decisions related to medical care need to be made on your behalf, if you are unable to do so permanently or temporarily. The two documents are often combined into one document called an Advance Healthcare Directive.
A medical power of attorney is a document that designates a specific person as your decision maker if you are unable to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated, temporarily or permanently. This can occur temporarily due to an illness, accident, or problem with medication dosage or more permanently due to dementia, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury or illness. The person designated as your decision maker may be called upon to make decisions regarding treatment, medication, which doctors to employ or fire, what life sustaining measures to use or even to cease all life prolonging measures. In appointing a medical decision maker, it is important to consider whether you have made your wishes and desires known to that person, religious/spiritual considerations, capacity to meaningfully make decisions in consultation with doctors and service providers, their ability to make decisions in line with your wishes during a time of stress and emotions and whether that person is likely to make decisions compatible with your desires.
A living will is a related but distinct document that helps make your wishes known as it relates to end stage medical conditions. Everybody, regardless of age, should have a plan for what happens if you are no longer able to make decisions related to potential end stage medical treatment including your wishes regarding IV fluids, stomach tubes, respirators, resuscitation, experimental drugs and organ donation. A living not only can put your mind at ease that your wishes will be followed but it is also a gift for your family. Making your wishes known relieves pressure your medical decision maker may feel from family members and well-wishers who, although may mean well, may not make the same decisions you would. Making your wishes clear removes any ambiguity as to what your decisions actually are and removes conflicts between family members who are left guessing as to your wishes.
We at Hallett Snyder Law understand how sensitive these matters are and how uncomfortable it can be to discuss these issues. We can prepare these documents alone or as part of a comprehensive estate plan and can meet in person or via video or teleconferencing for consultation. We have substantial experience in walking through these decisions with clients with compassion and in drafting clear, concise, and legally enforceable documents that will help put your mind at ease.
Hallett Snyder Law
518A Allegheny River Blvd.
Oakmont, PA 15139
(412) 828-3011
