Important legal documents to help you advocate for your loved ones wishes
There are some important documents that you may want to consider putting in place that cover your loved ones wishes and your role in helping to shape them. Make sure that you keep all legal documents in your loved one’s medical record and that any of the medical professionals involved in the care of your loved one are aware of the contents of these documents.
Power of attorney:
A power of attorney (POA) document names a person a health care proxy (or health care agent). This is a person who can legally make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone else if they are unable to make them.
Living will or Advance Directive:
A living will is a set of written, legal instructions that detail the types of life-sustaining end-of-life care that a person would or would not want to receive in the event they cannot make the decision for themselves. Living wills can guide medical professionals in what actions, treatments and procedures they will try at the end of life.
If you need help drafting legal documents you can work with a health care or elder care lawyer.
