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The Ultimate Guide to Medical Health Directives

Posted by Thor Roundy | Oct 10, 2024 | 0 Comments

The Ultimate Guide to Medical Health Directives: Why You Should Plan for the Unexpected (And Yes, It's Not as Scary as It Sounds!)

Let's be honest: No one really enjoys thinking about the "what-ifs" of life. But here's the thing—life is unpredictable. You probably don't want your family guessing what you would've wanted if you couldn't make decisions for yourself, right? That's where a Medical Health Directive comes in. And don't worry, it's not as intimidating as it sounds!

So, What Exactly Is a Medical Health Directive?

A Medical Health Directive, also called an Advance Directive, is your way of saying, “Here's what I want if I'm ever unable to speak for myself.” It allows you to make decisions now about the healthcare you'll receive in the future if something unexpected happens.

It covers two main things:

  • Living Will: Tells your doctors what treatments you do (or don't) want, like if you'd prefer to skip the whole CPR process or avoid certain life-sustaining treatments.
  • Healthcare Proxy: Designates someone (a trusted person) to make medical decisions for you when you can't. This person will make sure your wishes are followed.

In other words, it's a way to stay in control of your medical care, even when you're not in the room (metaphorically speaking).  

Why Bother? I'm Young and Healthy!

Sure, right now you're probably busy living your best life, thinking that nothing bad could happen to you. And we love that energy! But the truth is, anyone 18 and older should have an Advance Directive. Yep, even if you're totally healthy, there's no harm in planning for the future. Think of it like insurance—something you hope you'll never need but are glad to have when things go sideways.

Imagine you're off to college, starting a new job, or volunteering in the Peace Corps. Suddenly, something happens, and you can't make medical decisions. Without a Medical Health Directive, guess who steps in? The state! And let's be real, no one wants the state making personal decisions for them.

Let's Talk About the Dreaded Conversation

We get it—talking about end-of-life wishes is awkward. But it's one of the most important conversations you can have with your loved ones. Do they know if you'd want to be an organ donor? What about CPR? These are things family members should know and respect, but they can't honor your wishes if you never tell them. 

Here's a fun way to think about it: Have an “End-of-Life Pizza Party.” Yes, you read that right. Gather your family or friends over some pizza and make the conversation a little more lighthearted. You don't have to make it a sad or serious event—just talk about what's important to you while passing around some pepperoni slices. Done and done!

What Else Should You Have Planned?

While you're having these conversations, it's also a good idea to cover other helpful details:

  • Have you preplanned your funeral services?
  • Bought a gravesite?
  • Where's your will stored?
  • Did you want a confetti cannon at your memorial? (Kidding…unless that's your thing.)

FAQs (Because We Know You've Got Questions!)

Q: Who should I pick as my healthcare proxy?
A: Someone who can handle stress and make tough decisions without flinching. You need someone who will respect your wishes, even if they don't agree with them. This isn't the time to pick your indecisive cousin who can't even choose what to order at a restaurant!

Q: Do I still need this if I'm young and fit?
A: Absolutely! Medical Health Directives aren't just for older adults. Life is unpredictable, and it's better to have a plan in place rather than leave it up to chance.

Q: What if I don't have a Medical Health Directive?
A: If you don't have one, the state steps in to decide who makes your healthcare decisions based on legal hierarchies. In short, you lose control of the decision-making process.


Get the Full Estate Plan and Be Fully Covered 

While having a Medical Health Directive is crucial, it's just one piece of the puzzle. To be completely covered, you also need a Will and a Power of Attorney. The good news? At EVN Law, we offer all three as part of our Full Estate Plan Package. This package ensures that every aspect of your estate—medical decisions, financial matters, and the distribution of your assets—is taken care of.

  • Your Will outlines how you want your possessions distributed and can even specify details like funeral preferences.
  • A Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial and legal decisions if you're unable to do so.

With our Full Estate Plan, you get the whole package—peace of mind knowing that everything is covered, and your wishes will be honored in every scenario.

Our experienced attorneys at EVN Law are here to help you create a comprehensive plan that reflects your personal wishes and keeps your loved ones from having to guess. So, what are you waiting for? Contact EVN Law today and get the complete package, because planning for your future should be as stress-free as possible!

About the Author

Thor Roundy

Founder, President, and Attorney

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