LiveSmart: Advance Directives – Discuss at End-of-Year Family Gatherings
We are in the thick of the holiday season and, like a lot of families this year, you’ve probably filled the week between Christmas and Hanukkah and New Year’s with lots of family get-togethers and events. Having the entire family together under one roof to celebrate can be a wonderful, memory-making experience for young and old alike. And, although it can be an uncomfortable topic, while everyone is gathered together it is also an excellent time to discuss with your family your wishes should you become critically ill. Having a plan in place should you become incapacitated enables a trusted person to arrange care according to your wishes. These advance directives may specify medical treatment you will consent to or refuse, name a surrogate decision-maker, or both. It’s a gift that will help your loved ones at a very stressful time and help to avert confusion and conflict within the family. A Health Care Proxy names a health care agent to make decisions for you when you can’t make them yourself. It also allows you […]
