ADVANCE DIRECTIVES
Ensuring your healthcare wishes are known and respected
Advance directives are legal documents that communicate your healthcare wishes and designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Without these documents in place, your family may face agonizing decisions without knowing what you would have wanted — and medical providers may be legally unable to follow your wishes.
Key Advance Directive Documents
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates a trusted person — your healthcare agent or proxy — to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated. Your agent can communicate with doctors, consent to or refuse treatment, and make end-of-life decisions consistent with your values.
Living Will
Documents your specific wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, artificial nutrition, resuscitation, and other medical interventions. A living will speaks for you when you cannot speak for yourself.
Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates an agent to make mental health treatment decisions on your behalf, including decisions about psychiatric hospitalization and medication.
Pre-Hospital Medical Care Directive (DNR)
Instructs emergency medical personnel about your wishes regarding resuscitation in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest outside of a hospital setting.
Why Advance Directives Matter
Without advance directives, your family may disagree about what treatment you would have wanted — leading to conflict, stress, and potentially court intervention at the worst possible time. Healthcare providers are also bound by law to provide life-sustaining treatment unless they have clear documentation of your wishes.
Advance directives give you control over your own medical care and spare your loved ones from having to make impossible decisions without guidance.
"These documents are not just for the elderly. Anyone over 18 should have advance directives in place. You never know when an accident or sudden illness could leave you unable to speak for yourself."
— Bob Weber, Attorney at Law
Choosing Your Healthcare Agent
Your healthcare agent should be someone who knows you well, understands your values, and can make difficult decisions under pressure. They should be willing to advocate for your wishes even when other family members may disagree. Bob Weber will help you think through this choice and ensure your documents clearly reflect your intentions.
LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR SITUATION
The first step is up to you. Contact me today.