Many people try to keep their estate plans as simple as possible. They may draft wills and no other documents. While a will can help address certain estate planning needs, it only takes effect after its author dies.
Thorough estate plans generally include documents that address incapacity, long-term care during retirement and similar concerns. People frequently add powers of attorney to their estate plans to protect against financial hardship or to limit the risk of an involuntary guardianship in the future.
People in many different situations may want to consider adding advance medical directives to their estate plans. Even though those who are healthy and relatively young could benefit from providing clear instructions regarding their medical wishes. The following are some of the common reasons people consider adding advance directives to their estate plans.
Supporting struggling loved ones
When an emergency occurs, the people closest to the affected parties are likely to experience intense stress. Stress has many negative impacts on the human body. It affects recall and memory. Even those who have talked about a loved one’s medical wishes before may not remember them during an emergency. When family members have a clear set of instructions to refer to, they may feel more confident handling medical care matters in an emergency scenario.
Avoiding inappropriate care
Health care facilities generally have established best practices. There are also standards for care in many different areas of specialization. Without direct input from a patient, healthcare professionals defer to facility policies or best practices. Religious beliefs, family history and personal medical issues can all influence what care people want to receive. If those preferences do not align with standard practice at modern hospitals, individuals may benefit from leaving clear instructions regarding their wishes. They can avoid treatments that may violate their religious beliefs, increase their risk of chemical dependence or prolong their suffering when they have a progressive or terminal illness.
Enjoying peace of mind
The knowledge that there is a comprehensive estate planning place can help people live their best lives. People who have addressed the support of their loved ones in the event of their passing may feel more peaceful than those who continue to procrastinate. The same can be said of those who plan for emergencies. Particularly in scenarios where people have wrong medical preferences or vulnerable close loved ones, advance medical directives can also help provide peace of mind.
Adding the right documents to an estate plan and regularly updating them can be beneficial for a testator and the people they love. Those who address emergencies and incapacity have more protection than those who only plan for their eventual deaths.