What if you could receive medical treatment, but you’re not able to share those wishes on your own? Most people hope to never be in this situation, but it could become a reality for you and your family. You don’t want your loved ones trying to figure out what you want or arguing with one another to determine these details in the heat of a stressful situation.
Communicating with a healthcare advocate or patient advocate is extremely important so that they can make decisions on your behalf in a timely manner. This person must know some basic information about your overall health condition and the wishes you have related to your health care treatment. Some of the most common things you’ll need to share with this patient advocate include:
· Your wishes for end-of-life care and treatments such as getting comfort treatment versus aggressive treatment options.
· Your previous surgical history.
· Any allergies you have to medications or items that may be used in treatment.
· Where to find your current medications list.
· Your primary care providers.
· The location of any other estate planning documents.
· Whether or not you have a pacemaker or metal anywhere on your body.
· Plans for professional relationships or resources that may be used to help the advocate in their role, such as a geriatric care manager or a social worker.
Identifying your own estate planning wishes is the first step in this process. Finding a qualified estate planning lawyer can help you ask these questions and develop strategies and estate planning documents in line with what is most important to you. Do not hesitate to contact an attorney today to discuss your choices. Our Pasadena lawyers can assist.
