-- The risks of not having healthcare directives in Living Wills for aging parents or relatives need to be addressed to reduce uncertainty during medical emergencies, disclosed Estate Planning Attorney Bobby Sawyer.
For more information, please visit https://www.jandspllc.com
In an interview this week in Maryland, the Co-Founder of Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC emphasized: "The importance of making decisions for your life when you're no longer capable is just as crucial as deciding what happens to your assets when you die."
According to Bobby Sawyer, one strategy is to map out a loved one's medical wishes. Healthcare directives can significantly ease stress for both individuals and their loved ones, especially in medical emergencies.
A living will, also known as an Advanced Directive, can explicitly outline end-of-life decisions, significantly reducing the burden on loved ones making those calls.
According to the Co-Founder of Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC: "A living will only take effect once a primary physician confirms that the individual is unable to make decisions on their own. Areas covered include whether or not to receive interventions like CPR or being placed on a ventilator to stay alive."
Sawyer advised that a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Form should be aligned with a Living Will. A DNR order informs healthcare professionals not to administer CPR using certain drugs, artificial breathing tubes, chest compressions, or a defibrillator if a patient's heart stops or they stop breathing.
The DNR should be signed by the person's physician and placed prominently in the person's home. "It's also crucial to inform family and friends about the DNR order so they can alert medical professionals in an emergency."
A Medical (or Health Care) Power of Attorney is another vital component of healthcare directives. Bobby Sawyer elaborated: "This allows an individual to assign a trusted agent to make medical decisions on their behalf once they are deemed unable to do so. This encompasses all healthcare-related decisions, so the appointed agent must be comfortable carrying out these medical wishes."
The agent, acting under a Medical (or Health Care) Power of Attorney, has the authority to enforce specified healthcare wishes, decide on the hiring and firing of doctors and other medical professionals, and access medical records if the document includes the appropriate HIPAA language.
Sawyer concluded: "To ensure you have all your bases covered, consult an experienced Estate Planning or Elder Law attorney for the best outcome."
Source: http://RecommendedExperts.biz
Contact Info:
Name: Bobby Sawyer
Email: Send Email
Organization: Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC
Address: 300 E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States
Phone: (443) 998-8855
Website: https://www.jandspllc.com/
Release ID: 89163718
Google
RSS