There may come a time in life when you need critical medical treatment. If you are able to when that happens, you can discuss the options with the doctors yourself and choose the one you prefer. If, however, you are unable to, such as if you are in a coma, then it will be up to someone else to make that decision for you.
You can name a health care agent and give them power of attorney to make the decisions for you, but whether you have one or not, it is helpful to outline your choices ahead of time as much as possible. You can do this via a living will, which in California is called an advance health care directive.
Reduce tension between loved ones
Let’s say you have a car crash, are lying in a coma, and the doctors don’t believe you will ever regain consciousness. Someone needs to decide how long they should continue life-prolonging care. Your eldest child might be urging them to keep trying, even though your youngest, who you appointed as your health care agent, believes you would prefer the doctors to just let you go now rather than risk being forced to rely on others if you come out of the coma with brain damage.
While the child you’ve given the authority to gets to make the call, your other child might hold that choice against them for the rest of their lives. If, however, you stated in your advance health care directive that you do not want the doctors to intervene in such a case, that can help minimize familial conflict.
Best to make one now
If you have yet to make an estate plan, then it is best to do so as soon as possible. Death or incapacity can come when you least expect it, so it is better to be legally prepared, for your own good and that of your loved ones.
