estate planning

From a very young age we make plans for our lives. Young girls dream of wedding dresses, high school students take college tours and SAT classes, and even as young adults we’re busy planning for our careers or saving money for retirement. Having a plan for life is important. It helps you have a direction and eases anxiety. But there is one thing many people don’t plan for, and that’s what would happen if we were ever in a situation where we weren’t able to speak for ourselves or make healthcare decisions on our own.

National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16, encourages all adults to complete an advance directive. This document names a "power of attorney for health care," sometimes called a "proxy." The proxy is authorized to make medical decisions should a patient become unable to speak or think independently. Being chosen to act as someone's health care proxy is a role of honor and responsibility. If your relative has selected you, consider these tips. Prepare for the role 

Death and dying are not topics we talk about easily in our culture. As a general rule, in fact, we avoid them, almost as if to talk about them would bring on a premature demise. As a result, many families are unaware of their loved one's wishes at the end of life and are faced with making difficult decisions. This can lead to family discord and can make a trying situation even harder than it already is.