The Vital Legal Documents You Need for Health Changes and Emergencies
By, Amanda Daggett, Clinical Care Director
There is no better time than now to ensure you have prepared yourself and your family for health changes and emergencies. A Last Will and Testament is important to carry out your wishes after you have passed; however, there is a set of legal documents that carry out your wishes while you are alive.
Do you have?
- Power of Attorney for Healthcare
- Power of Attorney for Finance
- Advanced Directives (recommended)
- Michigan Do Not Resuscitate (if applicable)
These documents should be easily accessible in the event of a medical emergency and changes in health condition, physical and cognitive. No matter if you’re living in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, or Skilled Nursing, Beacon Hill should have a copy of these documents on file in case of significant health changes. The care team must know who to contact in the event you are incapacitated and have proof this person can legally act on your behalf.
In the absence of these documents, the probate court will appoint a guardian or conservator to manage your medical and financial decisions. The court will often appoint a close family member, but this takes time and money and usually occurs during the most critical and high stress times. The Beacon Hill care team is dependent on these records to provide you with the best care and services across the continuum.
If you have not provided Beacon Hill with your Power of Attorney documents, Advanced Directives, or Michigan Do Not Resuscitate (if applicable) please make a copy and give it to the concierge. We will make sure the documents are readily accessible in the event that they are needed.
