Do you remember the case of Terri Schiavo? Ms. Schiavo was in a persistent vegetative state as the result of cardiac arrest. Her husband and her parents disagreed on the removal of a feeding tube. The court case played out very publicly over seven years before a final decision was made to remove the feeding tube. It is a case that is often referred to when explaining the need for a health care power of attorney and living will.

A health care power of attorney allows you to choose who will make health care decisions on your behalf. In general, this person will only act if you are absolutely unable to communicate your wishes in any way, including by blinking your eyes or squeezing a hand. A living will tells your doctors and loved ones what heroic life sustaining measures you would like to be taken or refused. It will also likely address artificial nutrition and hydration and when they may be withheld or withdrawn. Depending on the state where you reside, a living will can be a separate document from a health care power of attorney, or they may be combined into one document.

No one likes to think about times when someone else may need to make decisions about your health care. But by having these essential documents in place, you can make your wishes known and give your family peace of mind.

If you have questions about a health care power of attorney, living will, or any other essential documents, connect with us today.