Imagine you’re sick and can’t speak or decide what treatment you want. Advance directives are like a plan you make ahead of time for this situation. They are papers that tell doctors and your family what medical care you want if you can’t say it yourself.
Two Types of Advance Directives
1. Living Will: This is a paper where you write down what treatments you do or don’t want in certain situations, like if you have a serious illness. It helps your family know what to do and follow your wishes.
2. Medical Power of Attorney: You choose someone you trust, like a family member or friend, to be your “medical decision-maker.” If you can’t make decisions, this person can speak for you and make choices based on what you want.
Why They Help Avoid Family Conflicts
When families face tough medical choices, it can be stressful, and people may not agree on what’s best. Advance directives help avoid fights and confusion because:
1. You Decide. Your advance directives tell everyone exactly what you want, so there’s no guesswork. Your wishes are clear.
2. Chosen Decision-Maker: By picking one person to make decisions, everyone follows their choices, and arguments are less likely.
3. Less Burden: Your family can focus on supporting you instead of arguing about what to do. It eases their minds.
4. No Legal Battles: Since your wishes are written down, it’s harder for others to dispute the decisions.
5. Talking Together: Making these plans involves talking with your family, so everyone knows what you want. It brings everyone closer.
In the end, having advance directives is like having a medical guidebook for your family to follow. It gives them confidence in knowing they’re doing what you want and helps them work together without disagreements during tough times.
Contact Martha Mendez today by calling 786-636-8938 or by email: [email protected] to discuss your options with respect to advance directives.
