What Medical Documents Do You Need?
If you were Gus on “Lonesome Dove,” how would you feel if someone cut off BOTH legs even though that’s not what you would want? How would you feel if you were in Captain Call’s place, trying to decide if making your best friend miserable for the rest of his life by cutting off both legs is worth saving his life?
For those of you who have seen the TV mini-series, “Lonesome Dove” with Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. If not, let me give you a quick run-down of this portion of the plot.
Retired Texas Rangers Agustus McCrae and Captain Woodrow Call are on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana to become cattle ranchers. Gus is attacked by Indians while scouting ahead of the herd and shot multiple times in the leg with arrows. Stranded from the herd, Gus eventually makes his way to a town several days later where a doctor removes the leg. However, the other leg has developed gangrene as well and needs to be removed by the time Call finally locates Gus. Call wants to remove the leg to save Gus’ life, but Gus doesn’t feel life would be worth living as legless ranger/cowboy. In the end, Gus refuses to have his other leg removed and he dies of blood poisoning.
I revert to my previous question: how awful would it be to be in either of those two men’s positions?
As it turns out, that situation never has to occur! Unbeknownst to most, we offer assistance with setting up important healthcare and legal documents that can help provide clarity and peace of mind during difficult medical situations.
You may have heard these terms before but aren't exactly sure what they mean. Here's a simple explanation:
Living Will: A living will is a document that outlines the types of medical treatment you would or would not want if you become unable to communicate your wishes yourself. Why it's important: It helps ensure your healthcare choices are respected and relieves family members from having to make difficult decisions without guidance.
Advance Directive: An advance directive is a broad term that includes written instructions about your healthcare preferences if you're unable to speak for yourself. A living will is often one part of an advance directive. Why it's important: It gives doctors and loved ones clear guidance about your wishes during a medical emergency or serious illness.
Health Care Proxy (Medical Power of Attorney): A health care proxy allows you to designate someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself. Why it's important: It ensures someone who understands your values and preferences can advocate for you when it matters most.
Power of Attorney (POA): A power of attorney gives a trusted person the authority to handle financial and legal matters for you if you become unable to manage them yourself. Why it's important: It can help ensure bills are paid, accounts are managed, and important financial decisions continue to be handled without interruption.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR): A DNR order tells medical professionals not to perform CPR or other resuscitation efforts if your heart stops or you stop breathing. Why it's important: It allows individuals with specific medical wishes to avoid unwanted emergency interventions.
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): A POLST is a medical order that outlines specific treatment preferences for individuals with serious illnesses or advanced health conditions. Why it's important: Unlike many planning documents, a POLST is a medical order that healthcare providers can follow immediately during an emergency.
While these conversations can be difficult, having these documents in place can provide tremendous peace of mind for you and your family. If you would like assistance getting started or reviewing documents you already have, we're here to help guide you through the process.
Important Disclosure
This material was created to provide accurate and reliable information on the subjects covered but should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects. It is not intended to provide specific legal or other professional advice. The services of an appropriate professional should be sought regarding your individual situation.
LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. They also have access to non-affiliated third parties that specialize in creating trusts and wills for use by LPL advisor’s clients.
