The COVID-19 pandemic has caused people throughout Nevada and the entire country to reevaluate many aspects of their daily lives. One of those aspects concerns evaluating our mortality and what can happen if we suddenly become seriously ill. It can be both challenging and stressful if you are forced to quickly decide healthcare decisions in the middle of a serious illness. That is why many estate planning attorneys and professionals recommend that people prepare durable healthcare documents. In doing so, you are able to take what once was a vague concept for what you wanted and put it into clear cut instructions for your loved ones so that they don’t have to make those difficult decisions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a new challenge to creating healthcare documents. People who were not concerned about having healthcare instructions in place are now facing difficult decisions about their care.
Here’s what you should know about durable healthcare documents during the current challenging times.
There is comfort in instructions
Your loved ones know you well, but there is only so much they can know about your financial and healthcare wishes. You may trust them to do their best, but often loved ones would prefer to have direction. Your healthcare directives can be clearly communicated through either a Living Will or a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (advanced directive).
Durable healthcare documents can offer your loved ones the support of knowing that they are doing what you want. Talk to them about your specific intentions and create a plan together. As you discuss what to include in your directives, you may find that some would rather have a supportive role than make decisions.
It helps to be prepared
When you have durable healthcare documents as part of your estate plan, you and your loved ones can have the assurance that you will receive the care you need and, perhaps more importantly, the care you want. Your plan can also include what your loved ones can do with your assets.
Facing a diagnosis of COVID-19 can lead to worry about the future of your care and your property. Talking to your loved ones and creating a plan for your medical needs and assets can give your loved ones the confidence to support you during a difficult time.