WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT

Bob and Eleanor, a healthy 70 year old couple, came into the office of a MPS attorney to do estate planning. After a brief educational process and three meetings, the plan was created. Bob and Eleanor were thrilled and went on their merry way.

Three months later, the attorney received a call from Eleanor, indicating Bob was in Intensive Care; one of his kidneys had stopped working and his remaining kidney was shutting down. The ICU doctor told Eleanor that they would have to put Bob on a machine to maintain his life, or he may die. Eleanor was concerned, because while she loved him dearly, Bob was very clear he did not want to live on a machine. Eleanor asked the doctor if the machine would help him recover or whether he would have to stay on the machine. The doctor’s response was, “We’re not sure, but if we elect to put him on the machine, it will be difficult for me to have him removed from it.”

The MPS attorney told Eleanor not to worry that her health care directive had a 30 day provision which ensured that, if she elected to put Bob on any type of life support, she would be able to remove him at any time, but at the latest 30 days. The attorney agreed to stop by ICU and talk with the doctor and show him the legal document. After a review of the 30 day provision, the doctor was pleased and shocked at how nice it was to see good quality legal preparation. It actually took the pressure off of him.

Bob was put on life support and removed three days later after a wonderful recovery. Bob went on to live five more years. Eleanor and Bob thanked the MPS attorney, because Eleanor was confident that, if the 30 day provision was not in the health care directive, she would not have put Bob on life support.

Many people assume it will be a “cut and dry” decision when asked if they want to put their loved one on life support. The truth is, in that moment, the typical individual will do everything possible to preserve the life of their loved one. Even if they want to honor the loved one’s wishes, in many cases they are not emotionally ready to let go. Having the 30 day provision (or other period of time chosen by the client) ensures that control will remain with the family during this critical time, and allow the loved ones to adjust emotionally to the situation at hand. In some cases, like Bob’s, this additional time may even preserve their life. To learn about all the Client Centered Customized provisions that should be in a health care directive to protect your clients and distinguish yourself in your marketplace, contact MPS www.mpssuccess.com .