It is important to plan ahead to allow your spouse or loved one to be able to assist you if you become incompetent. Having the proper estate planning documents in place can allow you to do this.
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Considering a Health Care Power of Attorney
First, if a spouse or other loved one becomes incompetent, he or she will not be capable of making health care decisions. Before incompetency, your spouse or loved one (and you too) should consider executing a Health Care Power of Attorney. A Health Care Power of Attorney allows your spouse or loved one to appoint someone they trust to make health care decisions on their behalf. Your loved one should also discuss what health care options are important to them with the person he or she appoints so that his or her wishes can be carried out when the time comes.
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Considering a Durable Financial Power of Attorney
Second, if a spouse or loved one becomes incompetent, he or she will not be able to make financial decisions. Executing a Financial Power of Attorney will allow your loved one to appoint someone trusted to help with financial chores such as paying bills and filing tax returns. With these two important documents, your loved one or spouse is able to ensure that his or her medical and financial affairs can be handled if they become incompetent.
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