Advance Health Care Directives
If you were unable to speak for yourself, would your family know your medical wishes? Advance health care directives give you a voice in your own care, and they give your loved ones clear guidance during some of the most difficult moments in life. John Sanchez helps clients get these documents in place as part of a complete estate and long-term care plan.
Start Your Health Care Directive ConversationYour Voice in Your Own Medical Care
Advance health care directives are legal documents that communicate your preferences for medical treatment and name someone to make health care decisions on your behalf if you cannot. They are among the most important documents in a complete estate plan, and also among the most commonly overlooked.
Without a directive, health care providers and family members may have little guidance about your wishes. Difficult decisions get made under pressure, sometimes in conflict and sometimes in court. A clear directive changes that.
John works with clients to ensure their health care directives are aligned with their broader estate plan, long-term care strategy, and family protection goals, with document support through Wealth.com.
Common Types of Advance Directives
Living Will
A written statement of your medical treatment preferences, particularly around life-sustaining treatment, CPR, ventilators, and other critical decisions.
Health Care Power of Attorney
Names a trusted person, your health care proxy or agent, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
A medical order specifying that you do not want CPR if your heart or breathing stops. Typically created in consultation with your physician.
POLST Form
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, a medical order that translates your wishes into actionable instructions for medical providers.
Protecting You and the People You Love
Document Your Medical Wishes
Specify your preferences for medical treatment, life-sustaining care, and end-of-life decisions, so your voice is heard even when you cannot speak.
Name a Health Care Proxy
Designate a trusted person to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable, whether that is a spouse, an adult child, or a trusted friend.
Protect Your Loved Ones
Without a directive, family members may face painful uncertainty, disagreements, or legal barriers when trying to act on your behalf.
Reduce Stress and Uncertainty
Clear written guidance gives your family and medical team confidence, and it removes the burden of guessing what you would have wanted.
Connect With Your Care Plan
Advance directives connect naturally with long-term care planning, retirement income strategy, and the financial side of health care decisions.
Plan Before You Need It
Advance directives can only be created when you have the capacity to do so. Like a POA, the time to plan is now rather than during a health crisis.
Health Care Directives Connect to Everything
A health care directive works together with your long-term care insurance, your financial power of attorney, your retirement income plan, and your family's ability to act decisively during a difficult time. John helps clients see the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an advance health care directive?
An advance health care directive is a legal document that communicates your preferences for medical care and treatment in the event you are unable to speak for yourself. It may include a living will, a health care power of attorney, or both.
Who should have one?
Any adult, regardless of age or health status. Unexpected events can happen at any time. Having a directive in place ensures your wishes are documented before a medical situation arises.
How does this connect with the rest of my planning?
Health care decisions and financial decisions are deeply connected. A long-term care event, hospitalization, or chronic illness all have significant financial implications. John helps clients coordinate health care directives with long-term care planning, retirement income, and estate strategy.
Can I change my directive after I sign it?
Yes. You can revoke or update your advance directive at any time as long as you have the legal capacity to do so. Life circumstances and medical preferences change, so periodic review is encouraged.
How does John help with advance directives?
John provides advisor-assisted guidance, helping clients understand how these documents fit into a complete estate and care plan. Through Wealth.com, clients can access advisor-assisted document preparation, with final review by qualified legal counsel.
Let's Make Sure Your Wishes Are Documented
A no-obligation conversation with John Sanchez, MST, CLTC, connecting your advance directive to your complete care and legacy plan.