People establishing estate plans can draft documents to address a variety of challenging situations. They can plan for their eventual death and ensure that their loved ones have appropriate support. They can also plan in advance for the possibility of a major medical emergency.
People of all ages may want to draft documents that take effect if they become incapacitated. A sudden medical event, like a stroke, or major injuries sustained from traumatic incidents, such as car crashes, could leave people incapable of communicating with others and expressing their wishes.
Documents drafted in advance before such circumstances arise can help protect people when they are at their most vulnerable. Rhode Island acknowledges a variety of different living documents, including powers of attorney. People may also want to consider drafting a living will.
Living wills address end-of-life care
Different states have different standard estate planning documents. The same terms may refer to different documents, depending on the state. There are a variety of different advance health care directives that people can draft to protect themselves.
In some states, a living will is a thorough advance directive that explores a variety of medical preferences in case a person becomes incapacitated. In Rhode Island, a living will serves one particular purpose.
It informs health care professionals that an individual does not want heroic interventions when they are near the end of their life. The law allows those with terminal conditions to choose not to undergo life-sustaining medical treatment.
The document authorizes medical professionals to withhold or withdraw care intended to extend the timeline for the individual’s death. If the treatment does not provide comfort or offer the possibility of a recovery, medical professionals can cease providing that care.
Doing so may allow a person to pass quickly and comfortably instead of turning their passing into a protracted process. For those who have more involved preferences, establishing Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment could be beneficial.
A living will, when coupled with other key documents, such as medical powers of attorney, can help ensure that an adult in a vulnerable position receives appropriate support given their preferences. Learning more about different estate planning documents can help people create custom plans that effectively uphold their wishes and provide guidance for their loved ones.