By: Daniel Sullivan
As part of the Gate 14 pre-marital counseling sessions I conduct, a topic which often comes up is the subject of finances. Do we combine all accounts, keep all accounts individual or a combination thereof? However, one topic that I have incorporated in all financial discussions is the area of living wills and advance medical directives. While this topic is often looked upon as an area that only needs discussion much later in life you may want to reconsider.
There are two things in life that are fairly certain you can’t change the past and they future is completely unpredictable, hence taking a minimal amount of time to address an issue which in the long run protects your wishes as well as takes a heavy burden off loved ones in case regardless of age the need to implement the aforementioned actions occurs.
For those of you who do not know what a living will or advance medical directives are here is how I explain the two areas to my clients. A living will give control over medical procedures and treatments when you yourself are unable to communicate your desires. Advance medical directives stipulate clearly what your desire s regarding quality of life are, leaving little room for debate should the situation arise.
Still not convinced? Hopefully the 5 reasons I’ have listed below will change your mind and each of you will take time out of your busy schedules to establish a living will and advance medical directives.
1 Living wills and advance medical directives protect your quality of life desires
Most of us have seen medias portrayal of cases where an individual is in some type of accident, leaving them debilitated and no directions from the individual have been set in place. Sad but true. Additionally, many of us have thought about or voiced our concept of quality of life should anything tragic occur. However, few individuals have protected themselves and their loved ones in potential situations where they can no longer communicate their wishes.
If something were to happen to you and medical professionals have a copy of your advance medical directives, there is little debate what you desired for possible end of life situation or situations where you are unable to communicate your wishes. Thus, you have it all laid out for your loved ones as well as medical professionals what your desires would be.
2 Prevents disputes among family members regarding crucial life decisions
A living will as previously stated establishes one or two individuals who are granted authority to make any medical, financial, and quality of life decisions otherwise left to debate if your desires have not been established clearly. Living wills and advance medical directives help dissuade family and medical professions from making life and death decisions on your behalf without knowing what your true desires are.
Whether medical professionals or family members agree is not the issue, your desires have been laid out clearly and thus should be met. Hence, a preventative measure for family disputes. With a living will and advance medical directives in place the decision is solely left up to you, even if you cannot communicate your wishes at the time. Additionally, it takes pressure of family and friends during a time which is often very emotional and scary.
3 Gives You Control Over Medical Treatments/Procedures
A living provides the authority for a named individual or individuals to oversee medical treatment and procedures decisions. The individual or individuals are not left to question whether or not you would or would not want a procedure or treatment, but lays out your express desires when you are unable to communicate. The decisions have been pre-established and medical professions are ordered to fulfill your desires via writing.
4 Leaves quality of life decision up to you
In the situation where you are unable to communicate your desires and beliefs regarding quality of life, your desires are being met. Many individuals provide a percentage of quality of life for those making decisions.
Thus, for myself if I am ever in a coma or vegetative state with less than 75% chance of recovery, life support is to be ceased and if strong enough I will survive, if not then I will pass quickly and at peace.
5 Financial decisions making are left in the hands of someone you trust
Finally, a living will and trust authorizes an individual or individuals to make financial decisions, pay bills, and keep your financial situation from going bankrupt should you be temporarily or permanently unable to communicate. Tragedy happens and thus the peace of mind you establish let all individuals know what exactly your desires are.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the aforementioned 5 reasons help with your decisions making regarding Living wills and trusts as well as advance medical directives. I know for the couples that I have worked with; most have found this discussion very beneficial as I am sure you will.
So, for those of you considering pre-marital counseling, the above topic is just one of many that will be discussed during your six-week sessions. This topic among many others which you won’t find in traditional pre-marital counseling can be discussed during the Gate 14 program. So, go ahead give me a call and let’s begin your marital journey with discussions that will stick with you throughout your marriage.