Many people would prefer not to have to think about medical situations that may render than unable to make health-related decisions without assistance, intervention of the use of an Arizona living will. However, while it is hopefully more of a “just-in-case” planning tool, it is important because you never know what kind of twists and turns life will throw your way. There are a number of advantages to have as much reinforcement as possible should this kind of situation arise, to ensure that your wishes are followed and respected.

To start, it is important to distinguish a difference between these documents. An Arizona living will is perhaps among the most common of advance directives and lays out in explicit detail the decisions you do – and do not – want made your behalf should a healthcare emergency arise.  Not just for older adults, but prudent for people of all ages, this legal document spells out in as specific detail as you desire what you want done with your person in the event of a medical emergency. Many hospitals keep a copy of the document on file for patients, so it can be easily consulted in the event of an emergency that has rendered you incapable of making decisions for yourself.

Another advanced directive that is sometimes used is a healthcare power of attorney. This designates someone as your health care agent, so that person can make medical decisions on your behalf. That is all this document address; an Arizona living will also allows you to designate someone as your health care agent to make decisions when you are unable to do so. You might also have the combination of both documents, as neither an Arizona living will nor a healthcare power of attorney can foresee every incident that may come up when it comes to health-related issues.

When you name a health care advocate in your Arizona living will or power of attorney, choose wisely. Make sure that you opt for someone that will have your best interests at heart to ensure decisions are made in the vein that you would make them for yourself, if you were able. This is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, and the person of your choosing has to be responsible and reliable in terms of following what you stipulate on your advance directive documents.

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