714 - Do your grown children have medical directives?

Every teenager waits anxiously for their 18th birthday.

But do they realize that becoming "an adult" brings with it new responsibilities?

On their 18th birthday, young adults have legal responsibility for their life decisions.

Anyone who is over the age of 18 should consider having a medical directive in place.

Whether a person has chronic medical conditions or is completely fit, having medical directives in place ensures that their wishes will be followed if they cannot make decisions for themselves.

Most people aren't thinking about living wills, Powers of Attorney, or medical directives when they turn 18.

If you don't have medical directives, the state will make decisions on your behalf.

My daughter bulked at having to get these documents in place until she learned that I will not be able to make decisions for her. She immediately got directives in place when she learned that the state she lives in will make those decisions.

Everyone over the age of 18 should have medical directives in place, especially if they have strong feelings about certain medical treatments.

When life-sustaining measures, organ donation, or pain management are a consideration, it must be in writing.

Having a medical directive in place gives you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed.

And it can also help your loved ones make decisions on your behalf if necessary.

It helps avoid conflicts or disputes among family members about your medical care.

Medical directives are only used if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. As long as you are able to, you should continue to make your own healthcare decisions

Do you and your loved ones have up-to-date medical directives in place?