At Lake Munro Law Firm, our attorneys are experienced in helping clients plan for their healthcare needs through the creation of medical care directives. Medical care directives are legal documents that outline your wishes for medical treatment if you cannot make decisions for yourself.
Request a consultation in St. Louis, MO, to go over your options.
There are two types of medical care directives:
A living will is a legal document that lays out your wishes for medical treatment in the event that you are terminally ill or in a permanently unconscious state. It is important to have a living will in place because it provides clear guidance to your healthcare providers about the type of medical treatment you want or do not want to receive if you cannot make those decisions yourself.
A living will typically cover issues such as life-sustaining treatments, artificial hydration and nutrition, and the administration of pain medication. By having a living will in place, you can ensure that your wishes are honored and that you receive the medical care that aligns with your values and beliefs.
A durable power of attorney for healthcare allows you to appoint someone else (the "agent") to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This document is important because it gives you control over your healthcare decisions even if you cannot make those decisions yourself.
The person you appoint as your agent will have the authority to make decisions about medical treatments, end-of-life care, and other healthcare-related matters. It is important to choose someone you trust to act as your agent and to communicate your wishes and instructions to that person.
Your agent should be familiar with your healthcare values, beliefs, and goals and should be able to make decisions that align with your wishes. A durable power of attorney for healthcare is different from a living will in that it allows you to appoint someone else to make decisions on your behalf. In contrast, a living will lays out your wishes.
Our attorneys can help you understand the differences between these types of medical care directives and can assist you in determining which is the best option for your unique needs and circumstances. We will work closely with you to understand your goals and to develop a plan that is tailored to your needs.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Offices to serve you in:
St. Louis County - 1650 Des Peres Rd., Suite 220 St. Louis, MO 63131
St. Charles County - 6 Westbury Dr. St. Charles, MO 63301
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