Although these are difficult topics to think about, it is crucial to empower your loved ones to understand what to do with respect to your medical wishes if you become incapacitated prior to passing away. Before passing away, some people do become fully unresponsive and may have specific wishes about care they do or do not want to receive. A patient advocate is the person who can speak on your behalf when you are not able to do so.
This makes it extremely important to work with an estate planning attorney in Michigan to reflect on and document any clear wishes you have when it comes to your organ donation, funeral arrangements or medical care preferences. There are several different questions you can ask yourself to make this planning process easier. These include:
- Do I want to receive palliative care?
- Do I want my organs to be donated if possible?
- Do I have specific religious preferences that I would like my family members to know and adhere to during this time?
- Do I want to be resuscitated?
- What other things do I want my loved ones to do if I cannot make decisions for myself?
If you are unable to communicate for yourself, you need to ensure that someone you trust is making your medical decisions for you. You can name this person as your patient advocate under your medical power of attorney in Michigan. Make sure that you also create a living will so that there are no questions around what medical procedures you do or do not want. For further questions around estate planning in Michigan, set aside a time to speak with an experienced and qualified estate planning lawyer in Michigan.