How to Start “Tough Conversations” About Medical Care

As an aging adult, do you have good health? Are you able to drive yourself places and visit with family and friends? Have you started to think about your future and what would happen if you had an accident or sudden illness and were unable to make medical decisions for yourself? Or what would happen if you needed long-term care? With these thoughts in mind, it may be time to have a tough and very important conversation with your family about what would happen if you had a sudden illness or accident and were unable to make decisions for yourself. You should begin these family conversations as soon as possible about your personal preferences for medical and long-term care choices. We would like to share with you some questions you can ask yourself along with your family to begin this critical discussion.

• Do you have a trusted friend or family member to make medical decisions on your behalf?

• Do you want feeding tubes, life support, and other artificial life-saving devices used?

• Is there any type of medical care you do not want?

• If you were permanently disabled or incapacitated, what would contribute or take away from your “quality of life?”

• Would you prefer skilled nursing home care or in-home healthcare?

• Discuss how you and your family could pay for the care you may need if co-pays become excessive or insurance does not cover your treatment.

Most importantly, all your decisions and choices should be documented in your estate plan. Make an appointment to meet with an experienced and qualified Florida estate planning attorney as soon as possible. Your estate planning attorney can offer advice and assistance as you choose a healthcare decision maker who will carry out all your decisions if you are unable.

Planning for the future is critical to ensure that your goals for the end of life are achieved. We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Our estate planning law firm takes a very different approach from what you might have come to expect. Our goal is to create lifelong relationships with each of our clients, to guide and manage your legacy for the rest of your life. Please contact our office to learn more.