Healthcare Directives: What You Need to Know

Healthcare directives, also known as advance directives, are written instructions that express your wishes for medical treatment in situations in which you are unable to communicate those wishes yourself. A healthcare directive can be incredibly beneficial to you and your loved ones, and at The Soto Law Office, P.A. in Altamonte Springs our experienced estate planning lawyers can help you draft this and other documents for a comprehensive estate plan. To learn more, call or contact our office to schedule a consultation of your estate planning needs.

What Goes in a Healthcare Directive?

A healthcare directive can be made by anyone 18 years old or older and consists of instructions about the type of care you wish to receive in situations where injury or illness render you unable to express those wishes to your healthcare team or loved ones. One common element of a healthcare directive is a “Do Not Resuscitate” form, but anything involving the acceptance or refusal of medical care, surgical treatment, or remote life-giving care can be included in this directive. Other decisions often included in a healthcare directive include the following:

● Whether to accept blood transfusions,

● Whether to allow a breathing tube,

● Whether to allow a feeding tube,

● Choices about intravenous medication or nutrition,

● Choices about what types of medication are allowed or denied,

● What medical or surgical tests and treatments are allowed or denied,

● Palliative care decisions, and more.

How a Healthcare Directive Can Help

A healthcare directive can be incredibly beneficial for multiple reasons. First, they can be helpful during unexpected accidents, long before anyone thinks about long-term or end-of-life medical care. It gives you a voice when you do not have one and ensures that your wishes are honored. A healthcare directive can also alleviate stress and arguments among loved ones who would otherwise be forced to make choices about your care that they may not know your wishes for or who may not have your best interests at heart. To learn more about how a healthcare directive can help, talk to our office today.

Talk to Our Office Now

Are you interested in learning more about healthcare directives and other estate planning documents? Call or contact The Soto Law Office, P.A. in Altamonte Springs today to schedule a consultation.