End-of-life care is a controversial topic. Not everyone agrees on issues like artificial life support, tube feeding, resuscitation, and organ donation. However, in an end-of-life scenario doctors and loved ones are left to guess what you would want done if your wishes are not explicitly laid out beforehand. This is why it’s so important to consider creating a patient advocate designation if you haven’t already done so. Although the term “patient advocate designation” is specific to Michigan, you may have also heard this authorization referred to as a living will, health care power of attorney, advance directive or medical directive. Regardless of what you call it, the goal is to place someone in charge if you are incapacitated, and identify your end-of-life wishes so that your ultimate care and treatment decisions are made by you in advance.
A patient advocate designation is an important aspect of your estate planning. Along with your patient advocate designation, we always suggest that you talk to your spouse, children or others who may be in charge about your wishes. That combination of planning not only makes sure that your wishes regarding end-of-life medical treatment will be respected; it also avoids putting your loved ones in the difficult and sometimes painful position of having to guess what you would want done.
Glenn Matecun proudly serves the citizens of Michigan in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and special needs law. Visit our website to learn more and schedule a consultation.