Jankower.com - Newsletter

An important part of any estate plan is preparing for the possibility that you may become disabled prior to death and may be unable to handle and manage your own affairs and/or make important decisions on your own behalf. With advances in medical science occurring every day, more members of our population are living for longer periods of time. As the elderly population continues to grow, there is a greater chance that many of them will develop disabilities and incapacities that affect their ability to make their own decisions, handle their own affairs, and make important decisions regarding health care.

Imagine that you are in a hospital and that medical decisions need to be made on your behalf. Doctors will need to be retained and consulted. Someone will need access to your medical information so that treatment decisions can be made. Perhaps decisions may need to be made about admitting you to a skilled nursing facility, long term care facility, or other medical treatment center. End of life decisions may need to be made and hospice may need to be called for assistance. Who will have the power to make these decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself? Will it be your doctor or another medical provider? Will your family be able to make or at least participate in such decisions? Can you select someone who will have the power to handle such matters and make such decisions for you?