Planning For Your Future Care with Lasting Power of Attorney

Arranging for a Lasting Power of Attorney for your future and end-of-life healthcare is an important step as you get older.

While it’s not something any of us like to dwell on, a later life plan lets your loved ones know how you’d like to be treated and where you want to spend your final days if you lose the capacity to communicate your wishes. An LPA allows you to plan ahead for the medical and personal care you want to receive if you can no longer speak for yourself. It ensures your wishes are carried out and reduces stress on your loved ones at what can be a difficult time. There are two components to think about when preparing an LPA.

Appoint an Attorney

As part of your LPA, you’ll have to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf – an attorney, should you be unable to make them for yourself. It’s important to choose someone who you trust to make the same decisions as you would if you were able to communicate them for yourself.

It’s also important to appoint someone strong enough to stand up for your wishes in the case of family members insisting you receive invasive treatments, or doctors proposing ongoing tests and procedures that you don’t want.

It’s a good idea to spend some time discussing your values and wishes with your attorney (this can be a family member or family friend). For example, what do you consider to be an acceptable quality of life? And when would you want invasive treatments to stop and just be comfortable and allowed to pass away naturally?