It's not easy to think about death and dying, but it's crucial to make your wishes known in case you're unable to speak for yourself. Advance directives are legal documents that outline your preferences for end-of-life care, ensuring that your loved ones and healthcare providers know what you want.
What Are Advance Directives?
Advance directives are written instructions that specify your wishes for medical care if you become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself. There are two main types of advance directives:
Living Will: A document that outlines your preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as cardiac resuscitation, tube feeding, and mechanical respiration.
Medical Power of Attorney: A document that names a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Why Are Advance Directives Important?
Advance directives are essential for anyone, regardless of age or health status. Unexpected accidents or illnesses can happen to anyone, leaving you unable to communicate your wishes. By having advance directives in place, you can:
Ensure your healthcare preferences are respected
Reduce the burden on your loved ones to make difficult decisions
Prevent unnecessary suffering and unwanted medical interventions
Creating a Living Will
When creating a living will, consider the following questions:
Do you want all available pain relief options, even if they may unintentionally hasten your death?
Which life-sustaining treatments do you want or not want, and for how long should they be continued if your condition doesn't improve?
What are your preferences for artificial life support if you are irreversibly brain dead?
What are your wishes regarding organ donation and the disposition of your body after death?
Each state has its own advance directive form, which you can download and complete without an attorney. Be sure to add any additional information about your wishes if the form doesn't cover everything you're concerned about.
Choosing a Medical Power of Attorney
When selecting a medical power of attorney, look for someone who:
Is not intimidated by medical professionals and is willing to ask challenging questions
Can put aside their own feelings to ensure your wishes are carried out
Understands your wishes about medical options and end-of-life care
Consider choosing an alternate power of attorney in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the role. Discuss possible scenarios and your general wishes with your chosen power of attorney to ensure they understand your desires.
Legalizing Your Advance Directives
To make your advance directives legally binding, you must put them in writing using your state's specific forms. These forms generally require witnesses and/or notarization, so carefully follow your state's requirements. Once completed, provide copies to your doctor, hospital, hospice or palliative care team, important family members, and attorney.
By taking the time to create advance directives, you can ensure that your end-of-life wishes are respected and reduce the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.
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