A recent study suggests that increasing the number of cancer patients who have end-of-life discussions could save the U.S. over $75 million a year without compromising care. Yet, less than one-third of all adults have a living will or any kind of “advance directive” to make their healthcare wishes known in the event of catastrophe, studies show. National Healthcare Decisions Day was started a few years ago to teach Americans the benefits of creating an advance directive, and to encourage healthcare providers to recommend them more often. “No one likes to think about the possibility of a life-threatening injury or…
Do you know what healthcare treatments you would and would not want if you would not speak for yourself? Do other people know what your wishes are? The annual National Healthcare Decision Day will be held on April 16, a day for everyone, regardless of ages or health status, to be reminded of the importance of making their healthcare wishes known to loved ones and their care providers. Everyone is encouraged to voice their wishes and take steps to ensure that their choices are known and protected. An Advanced Directive is a legal document that tells healthcare providers who it…
In Maryland any competent individual may, at any time, make a Living Will, regarding their health care and/or the withholding or withdrawal of health care. Basically, you decide who will speak for you in a medical crisis, in case you are not able to speak for yourself. Generally, that person will make any and all decisions that you would make for yourself, such as receiving medical information; conferring with doctors; asking questions; discussing treatment options; second opinions; consenting or refusing medical treatment, including life sustaining treatment; and authorizing transfers to another physician or hospital. The toughest decision concerns beginning or…
A health care agent is a person you appoint to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated or unable to make any decisions. A Living Will (Advanced Directive) expresses your wishes about your health care including, but not limited to, resuscitation, life sustaining treatments (respirator, feeding tube, etc.) and withholding / withdrawing of life sustaining treatments. The Living Will is only effective when you are terminally ill or unconscious and unable to communicate your wishes. When it comes to making decisions regarding end of life issues, do you know your wishes or have you communicated those wishes…
Only one in four U.S. seniors with chronic health problems prepare documents detailing their treatment preferences ahead of undergoing risky surgery, a study suggests. Source/more: Reuters For a complete list of upcoming seminars, visit our website at www.davidwingate.com. Peace of mind is only a call or click away! For an Initial Consultation call Estate and Elder Planning by David Wingate at (301) 663-9230 or visit www.davidwingate.com David Wingate is an estate planning and elder law attorney at Estate and Elder Planning by David Wingate. The Estate and Elder Planning office services clients with powers of attorneys, living wills, Wills,…
What is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a legal document where one person (the principal) authorizes another person (the agent) to act on the principal’s behalf. There are financial powers of attorney which allow your agent to make decisions regarding your property, and health care powers of attorney which allow your agent to make decisions regarding your health care needs. Your power of attorney can be broad in scope, giving your agent the ability to make any and all financial and health care decisions for you, or your power of attorney can be limited by specifying…
“Aging Care Plan” refers to the broad spectrum of medical and support services provided to persons who have lost some or all capacity to function on their own due to a chronic illness or disabling condition and who are expected to need such services over a prolonged period of time. Long-Term care can consist of care in the home by family members (assisted by voluntary or employed help), adult day health care, or care in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Approximately 60% of us will need Long-Term care at some point in our lives. When this statistic is put…
You’ve heard the term “estate planning” thrown around by family, friends, and news reports, but you don’t quite know what it all means and why it’s so important. Is estate planning just making sure you have a will written out or are there other aspects to the process? And, if you’re still young, do you need to worry about estate planning yet? What Is Estate Planning? Estate planning is making plans about who will receive your personal items – cars, house, financial assets – in the event of your death. Additionally, designating who will care for your children, finding…
Maryland allows any competent person to create an advance directive. Two witnesses are required, one of whom cannot benefit from the death of the principal. If you need help please contact our office and we will send you our Health Care Advance Planning document organizer. Our advance directive is a compilation of the appointment of the Health Care Agent and successors and the corresponding authority; a Living Will (Advance Directive) in which you choose your preferences for End of Life; and a HIPPA release for your agent(s). If you do not have a health care agent, Maryland Law provides a…
Beginning a family is an exciting time full of memories and milestones. No one wants to consider bad situations while marriages are new and the kids are young. But, unfortunately, sometimes tragedy hits and families are left to pick up the pieces. Planning for the worst is a way for parents to show they care about their family and will continue to do so even if something happens to them. Estate planning for young families is extremely important to ensure a safe and secure future for children and other dependents. While it may appear to be a confusing process, there are…
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