Its Never Too Early For an Advance Directive

"If you were to become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for
yourself, what would you want your family to do?" For many this
question comes across their mind and they answer it, but fail to
express that answer on paper. The problem with not putting it in
writing is when a situation arises where they cannot make their own
decisions, no one knows what to do. The answer comes from their
family who may have a different view of what should be done. Family
feuds often arise in situations where parties take opposing views in
regards to "what you would want". By drafting an Advance Directive you
are able to ensure that your wishes are respected and that you are not
burdening loved ones with painful choices.

Advance Directives are documents that specify your wishes for heath
care if you are unable to make your own decisions. They are used to
avoid prolonging the dying process and to prevent unnecessary
heartache and turmoil within families. Advance Directives are
basically your dying health care wishes written on paper. You are able
to specify what you want done to save your life or the limits of
medical interventions that you want preformed. You then appoint a
health care power of attorney, someone who will be responsible for
carrying out the Advance Directive. This person should also know you
well enough to weigh out the pros and cons before carrying out your
wishes.

Although we may think we are "too young" to draft an Advance Directive
be assured that you are never too young to make end of life plans. At
any point in life, whether young or old, a vegetative state or severe
impairment can be brought on by car accidents or physical illnesses.

Make sure the documents are drafted and executed in a legally binding
manner, this can be done with the help of attorney who specializes in
elder law, trusts or estates. Once you draft your Advance Directive
make sure you give copies to your doctors, surrogates, attorney and
family. Also, make sure those papers are taken with you or brought to
the hospital. Most of all communicate your wishes to relatives and
medical providers to avoid conflicts later. Advance Directives help
give others peace of mind and allow you to be in control even though
you are not mentally or physically able.