Control your fate; sign health directive

Read NCTimes.com Article Here >>

By: JIM VANDER SPEK - For the North County Times on January 24, 2004

There is probably no worse financial scenario for your family than being responsible for someone who is stuck in medical limbo. The importance of this issue was highlighted by the tragic situation of a comatose woman in Florida last year. Her family and community are being torn by difficult decisions that she can no longer make. Think of the expense and grief they all could have been spared if she had laid out her preferences before she was thrust into this horrible situation.

Fortunately, an inexpensive and complete solution to this sensitive problem has become available. It is called the Advance Health Care Directive. By taking the time to complete this "fill in the blanks" document, you will answer questions such as:

1. Who is it that you want to make decisions about your health care, should you no longer be able to speak for yourself? The person you select will become your agent if the need occurs and will make important decisions for you. For example, that person will be authorized to decide if extraordinary steps will be taken to prolong your life when you are in an "end of life" situation. If you want to limit this power, there are ways to do this, also.

2. How exactly do you want to be treated? Just picking an agent is not enough if you don't instruct that person about your desires.The AHCD walks you through the kinds of hard choices most of us don't want to consider. It provides a way to express your values and preferences.

3. Do you want to be an organ donor? If you know someone waiting for a kidney, lung or other vital organ, you know that there is a critical shortage of donors. Without expressing your willingness to be a donor, it won't happen. By addressing this when you fill out the AHCD, you could save someone else's life.

Once you have filled out the AHCD, you need to make sure that it is available when needed. You may want to give a copy to your primary physician. You may also want to give a copy to your designated agent or to family members.

The obvious ones needing an AHCD are the elderly or terminally ill.

However, it makes sense for everyone, even if they are young and in good health.

Who knows what tragic circumstance could be just around the corner? Surely, none of us wants to complicate the lives of our loved ones by not making our wishes crystal clear.

The AHCD is an improvement over a "living will," which is a similar document no longer used, even if it has a less catchy name. Since it is designed to be a do-it-yourself form, you should be able to create your personal AHCD without professional help. Of course, if you get confused, it makes sense to get some legal help.

Blank AHCD forms are available in a number of places, including our Web site at vanderspekcpas.com.

Jim Vander Spek is a certified public accountant with offices in Escondido. Contact him at Jimv@vanderspekcpas.com.