If you have a family member that was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and you fear that you may one day develop the condition, then you may want to consider creating an advance directive. Simply stated, an advance directive is a document that ensures your wishes are known and followed. In other words, the documents simply provides you a way of communicating your health care preferences to others after you’ve lost the capacity to clearly communicate your own decisions.
Many different documents or items may serve as an advance directive. For instance, power of attorney for health care decisions, living wills, informal directives people make in letters, conversations, and conduct may all serve as parts of an advance directive. In order for an advance directive to have authority in such matters, individuals must sign them while they still have the mental capacity to sign and comprehend legal documents.
Because you may have concerns about your health or the health of a loved one, you may want to consider speaking with an Ohio elder attorney to ensure your advance directive specifies your exact wishes. An experienced Ohio elder attorney can help you as you draw-up an advance directive and advise you as to the individuals you should speak with to ensure your friends and family honor your wishes. (Such individuals may include your physician, family, key clergy member, or even your attorney.) To ensure you’ve done everything in your power to draft a advance directive that stands the test of time, contact an elder law attorney the moment you or loved one starts showing concerning symptoms.
