Who Will Speak for You If You Can’t Speak for Yourself?
Medical emergencies can happen without warning. If you’re unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate, who will make decisions about your care? Will doctors know your preferences? Will your family agree on what to do?
Without legal documentation, your loved ones may be left guessing—or worse, arguing—about critical medical choices. A healthcare directive gives you a voice when you can’t speak, ensuring your wishes are followed and reducing stress for your family.
What Is a Healthcare Directive?
A healthcare directive—also known as an advance directive or living will—is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical care if you become seriously ill or incapacitated. It can include:
- Life-sustaining treatments (e.g., ventilators, feeding tubes)
- Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders
- Pain management preferences
- Organ donation choices
- End-of-life care instructions
This document ensures medical professionals and loved ones clearly understand what you want—and what you don’t.
What Is a Medical Power of Attorney?
A medical power of attorney (also called a healthcare proxy or agent) allows you to name someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so. This person can:
- Speak with your doctors
- Approve or deny treatments
- Access medical records
- Make end-of-life decisions based on your preferences
Without this, no one—not even a spouse—may have legal authority to make these decisions on your behalf.
Why Every Adult Needs These Documents
Healthcare directives and medical POAs are not just for seniors or people with existing health issues. Accidents, strokes, or sudden illness can happen to anyone. These documents are essential for:
- Young adults away at college
- Newlyweds and new parents
- Adults with aging parents
- Anyone who wants to take control of their healthcare decisions
Without them, doctors may rely on hospital policies or state laws—decisions could be made by someone you wouldn’t choose.
The Emotional and Legal Risks of Not Planning
When there’s no clear directive:
- Family members may argue about treatment options
- Care may be delayed while the court appoints a guardian
- You could receive treatments you wouldn’t want
- Financial or ethical burdens may fall on loved ones without guidance
Putting your wishes in writing spares your family the pain of guessing—and protects your dignity and independence.
How Healthcare Directives Work with the Rest of Your Plan
Your healthcare directive works in tandem with your:
- Durable Power of Attorney – for financial decisions
- Living Trust or Will – for distributing assets
- HIPAA Authorization – for sharing medical information with trusted individuals
Together, these documents form a complete estate plan that covers both your medical care and your financial affairs.
Keeping Your Documents Current and Accessible
Once your directive is in place, it’s important to:
- Share it with your healthcare agent and backup agent
- Provide a copy to your primary care provider
- Keep a digital version stored securely
- Review and update it every few years or after major life events
At MB Wealth Advisors, we provide a digital solution that makes it easy to create, store, and update your healthcare directive as your needs evolve.
How We Help You Take Control
Our digital estate planning process makes healthcare directives simple and accessible. We guide you step-by-step through:
- Choosing the right person to act as your medical agent
- Deciding and documenting your care preferences
- Making your plan legally valid and easy to update
We take the guesswork out of it—so your family isn’t left scrambling in a crisis.
Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard
If you couldn’t speak, would your family know what you want? Would the hospital follow your values and beliefs?
A healthcare directive ensures they will. It’s one of the most compassionate and responsible steps you can take—for yourself and the people who care about you.
Protect yourself now with a complete plan. Visit our Estate Planning Services to learn more, or call (704) 584-9363. You can also request a consultation at mbwealthadvisors.com/contact/#connect.