As an Atlanta estate planning attorney, I have years of experience with assisting my clients in creating a plan for their health through documents like advance directives. Advance directives can give someone a say in their healthcare in the event that an accident or illness leaves them unable to communicate their wishes. Typical advance directives contain information regarding an individual’s health care agent and his or her preferences for matters including organ donation and end-of-life decisions.
However, what should an advance directive look like if the individual’s illness is something long-term, something that progresses? The actions a person wants taken for their health in a later stage in their illness may not be the same actions they want taken in the early stages. For example, as this New York Times article states, people with dementia, which is a terminal disease, may still thrive and be happy in their lives despite issues with memory or daily activities. However, “the point at which dementia patients can no longer direct their own care isn’t predictable or obvious.” In such a case, an advance directive which does not take into consideration the progressing nature of the disease may not be the best fit for someone with dementia.
Dr. Barak Gaster of the University of Washington School of Medicine wants to create a document that would make up for what an advance directive lacks in terms of providing for patients with dementia. He created what he calls a “dementia-specific advance directive.” His dementia-specific document details the progressing stages of dementia and allows his patients to define their wishes for medical care at each stage of the disease. Dr. Gaster says his modified advance directive is important for someone with dementia, as “standard advance directives tend to focus on things like a ‘permanent coma’ or a ‘persistent vegetative state,’” but don’t consider someone who has a terminal illness but may live and function for many more years. If you would like to read more about this dementia-specific advance directive, please see this New York Times article.
As a Georgia estate planning attorney, I have years of experience with assisting my clients in planning for their health care decisions. If you have questions about advance directives, or if you would like to discuss an estate plan for yourself, please email me or call my Atlanta probate firm at (404) 445-7771.
