Contemplating the possibility of future incapacitation might lead you to sit down with a Massachusetts elder lawyer to discuss tools like a health care proxy or a living will.
Is There a Difference?
Occasionally, people outside of the legal profession might refer to these documents as one and the same, but there are some important distinctions. You might need one or both of these tools and they should be customized for your individual planning- don’t run the risk of printing and filling out a form you found online.
Healthcare Proxy Basics
First of all, a healthcare proxy is also referred to as an advanced directive document. This enables another party to step in and make medical decisions for you in the event that you are not able to do it on your own.
You must select a person that you trust to serve in this role, since he or she may have significant influence on your medical care at a point of crisis. It’s a good idea to have an individual conversation with this person about any specific wishes you have regarding medical treatment, such as whether or not you want a breathing machine, a feeding tube, or resuscitation.
Living Will Basics
A living will is also a form of advanced directive. However, it outlines the type of medical treatment you do not want or do want in the event of being incapacitated. This is helpful in case a situation arises that you did not outline specifically in your living will. The healthcare proxy you appointed can step in and decide based on his or her interpretation or knowledge of your individual wishes.
Ready to take the next step to protect your future? Talk to a Massachusetts estate planning lawyer today.
