An estate plan helps make a plan for after you die, but an Advance Directive helps you make a plan regarding your medical care while you are alive.
How do you feel about utilizing life support or tube feeding in the event of a severe injury or illness? Does your answer change if there is no likelihood of recovery? Are there certain individuals whom you would prefer to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate for yourself? Most people have strong feelings on these issues for a variety of reasons. Your values and beliefs, family dynamics and life experiences can all influence your personal wishes on health care. You and your spouse may surprise each other with your answers to these difficult questions. Talking about the possibility of these scenarios is not fun and our reluctance to have these difficult conversations is understandable.
In Oregon, an Advance Directive form has been adopted by the legislature to allow individuals to appoint a Health Care Representative and to provide instructions regarding their wishes in specific scenarios. Your attorney can help you have a productive conversation about your wishes regarding medical care and provide advice regarding the Oregon Advance Directive form.