DO I NEED A HEALTH CARE PROXY, LIVING WILL AND/OR A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY?
Discussions and decisions about health care proxies, living wills and durable powers of attorney are as important as decisions made in your will or trust. It is crucial that you understand the differences between them and decide whether you will incorporate them into your plan. Living Will: This is probably the most talked about and written about document of the three. In general terms, the living will states your wishes with regard to medical treatments such as life support, artificial nutrition and hydration, and resuscitation. It does not name someone to act on your behalf with regard to these issues but clearly sets forth your wishes in the event you cannot state them for yourself. It usually has a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order as well as instructions to terminate life support in certain circumstances. It also may contain your wishes regarding donation of organs. Health Care Proxy: Your health care proxy nominates an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are
