No one likes to think about end-of-life decisions. But if you create a living will and choose a power of attorney now, you can spare your loved ones from making those difficult decisions later.

If the past year has taught us anything, it's that life is unpredictable. So, it makes sense to have a living will and power of attorney in the event you find yourself with major health problems.

Not having your wishes documented, should you fall ill, can be more than emotionally draining for your family and loved ones - it can also add stress and a financial burden. It's something Michelle Wiedenhoeft, an APRN with Health First's Aging Services, knows is an avoidable roadblock if it's addressed before memory loss becomes an issue. It also allows the patient to make decisions about their future healthcare, should they become unable to on their own later.

"If someone suddenly has advanced dementia and IV fluids or blood transfusion becomes necessary, would they like those processes initiated to continue their life, or would they rather have comfort measures?" Michelle said. "If a patient develops pneumonia and requires a breathing machine, is this something they want to happen? Making these decisions beforehand will help reduce a family's stress during what may be a time of crisis and will also provide loved ones with peace of mind."

Waiting too long to put your wishes in writing can put patients and their families in a difficult spot. If an attorney hasn't completed legal paperwork before a competency letter is written and that person is deemed incompetent to make decisions about finances or healthcare, then a difficult and expensive guardianship process follows.

But you can avoid that and make sure your wishes are known - and will be followed.

With a living will you can name beneficiaries - people you identify to inherit your estate after your death. You can also name a power of attorney - the person you choose to make decisions if you become ill and a physician determines you are unable or unfit to do so. He or she does not need to be a family member, although relatives are very often chosen to fill this role. Your power of attorney should be trusted and someone who knows what your end-of-life wishes are, as well as how you'd like your money spent or distributed after your death. Health First Aging Services can provide recommendations for how to get each of these started.

Attorney Stephen Lacey, Health First Foundation's Board Chair and member of the Planned Gift Advisory Council, said choosing a power of attorney comes down to whom you can rely on to speak for you when you can't speak for yourself.

"When you give someone you trust the power of attorney, you're giving them the ability to basically step into your shoes and to make decisions on your behalf, such as what to do with your bank accounts, charitable donations, and digital access to all your accounts," Stephen said. "If you have a history of making a charitable donation, you'd want that person to continue to make those donations and not put their own interests in front of yours."

That's why you need to choose wisely. The biggest question to ask is, "Who do I trust who's going to carry out my wishes in front of their own self-interest?" For example, you don't want a power of attorney who might say, "I don't want to donate to that organization because it is going to take away some of my inheritance." Select someone you know will follow through on your wishes. Tell them why you donate to causes that are close to your heart - and all of the great things they've done for you, according to Stephen.

It's not an easy conversation, but it's an important one that can provide your loved ones peace of mind - and you, too.

Health First Aging Services is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of older adults living in Brevard County by increasing the availability of high-quality geriatric care services. You can learn more at hf.org/aging. Health First is Brevard County's only not-for-profit Integrated healthcare network and depends on community support through the Health First Foundation at hfgive.org.