Estate Planning: The Importance of a Health Care Directive

Hello Caton Team Friends,

A few friends have recently me asked about Health Care Directives. Though as Realtors we cannot advise on matters beyond Real Estate – I am reposting this article from the Mayo Clinic.

Real Estate means homes and home is where the heart is. I thought I would share this article and one on the importance of Trusts from Bankrate HERE.

Creating Your Advance Directive

Imagine if you were too sick or injured to express your health care wishes. Who would you want to make those decisions and guide your care? An advance directive is a legal document that allows you to express your end of life, health care wishes ahead of time.

Everyone over the age of 18 should have an advance directive on file. People often think they are too healthy to have an advance directive. The reality is that none of us know the future and at any moment, something could happen to us where we become incapable of making decisions for ourselves.

An advance directive has two parts. Since this is your document, you can complete the form in its entirety or you can complete only certain questions. The most important section to be completed is the first part in which you name an agent. This section of the document allows you to designate a person or persons whom you trust and who would be willing to represent your wishes in the event you need someone to make decisions on your behalf. This person(s) is called your health care power of attorney (POA).

The second part of the document is called the living will. It allows individuals to express their thoughts relating to care intended to prolong life. People can choose to accept or refuse medical care commonly related to dialysis, resuscitation, breathing machines and tube feedings. It is also possible to express your wishes related to organ and tissue donation. This part of the form is the most difficult because it causes people to really reflect on their values and beliefs on end-of-life treatment. Some people find it difficult to think about how they would like to die. Therefore, this part of the form often poses the biggest barrier in completing the advance directive.

Once you have completed your advance directive, it must be made legal. This can be done by having it notarized or having it signed by two witnesses, who are not your power of attorney. After it is legal, you should give a copy to your doctor, power of attorney and family.

This document is an important part of your medical record. Some of the choices you may put in your directive are:

The person you want to be your health agent and make decisions about your health care for you.
Your goals, values and preferences about health care.
The types of medical treatment you want or don’t want.
Where you would like to receive care.
Instructions about treatments such as artificial nutrition and hydration, CPR, and dialysis.
Donation of organs, tissues and eyes.
Funeral arrangements.

Next steps:

Review and complete the Advance Health Care Planning: Making Your Wishes Known Booklet.
Complete An Advance Health Care Directive Form. Have it notarized or signed by two witnesses who are not your power of attorney.
Give a copy to your doctor, power of attorney and family.
If necessary, complete a Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form. For more information about this form, visit the POLST page.
Visit our Community Resources page for contact information if you have any questions along the way.

I read this article from The Mayo Clinic HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!

The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true. How can The Caton Team help you?

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – would’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Share this: