What is an Advance Directive?
Would your family know your wishes regarding medical treatment if you became incapacitated and unable to communicate? Who would speak for you in such a circumstance and make sure your wishes are carried out? All too often, we avoid this discussion with our loved ones because talking about our own incapacity can be uncomfortable.
But a little pre-planning now can save your loved ones from having to make painful decisions if you are ever physically or mentally incapacitated, or if you are ever suffering from a terminal condition. Such pre-planning ensures that your wishes will be honored at a time when you may be unable to make your wishes known.
The Florida Legislature has enacted legislation that establishes procedures which allow a competent adult to plan for incapacity. This pre-planning includes health care advance directives (a living will and designation of health care surrogate) and a designation of a pre-need guardian. Although technically the designation of a pre-need guardian is not an advance directive, the pre-planning for a guardian is often talked about in conjunction with the advance directive planning.
But a little pre-planning now can save your loved ones from having to make painful decisions if you are ever physically or mentally incapacitated, or if you are ever suffering from a terminal condition. Such pre-planning ensures that your wishes will be honored at a time when you may be unable to make your wishes known.
The Florida Legislature has enacted legislation that establishes procedures which allow a competent adult to plan for incapacity. This pre-planning includes health care advance directives (a living will and designation of health care surrogate) and a designation of a pre-need guardian. Although technically the designation of a pre-need guardian is not an advance directive, the pre-planning for a guardian is often talked about in conjunction with the advance directive planning.
- Health Care Surrogate - If you are unable to communicate your wishes, your designated health care surrogate has the authority to communicate those health care decisions for you.
- Living Will – This document allows you to state what life prolonging procedures you wish to receive, or not receive, if you are terminally ill.
- Pre-need Guardian – If you ever need a guardian appointed over your person or property a designation of pre-need guardian lets the court know whom you would like to be appointed to that position.
