Advance Directives: Ensuring Your Medical Wishes Are Respected

When it comes to your health care, it's essential to have a plan in place for situations where you may not be able to make decisions for yourself. This is where advance directives, such as living wills and health care proxies, come into play. By setting up these legal documents now, you can ensure that your medical wishes are respected in the future.

What Are Advance Directives?

Advance directives are legal documents that outline your preferences for medical treatment in case you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. The two main types of advance directives are:

• Living Will: A document that specifies the types of medical treatments you would or would not want to receive if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.

• Health Care Proxy (also known as a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care): A document that designates someone you trust to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Why Are Advance Directives Important?

Advance directives give you more control over your medical care, even when you can't communicate your wishes. By having these documents in place, you can:

• Ensure that your medical preferences are respected

• Reduce the burden on your loved ones to make difficult decisions on your behalf

• Avoid unwanted medical treatments or procedures

• Provide peace of mind for both you and your family

How to Set Up Advance Directives

Setting up advance directives is a straightforward process:

1. Discuss your medical preferences with your doctor and loved ones

2. Obtain the necessary forms for your state (available from your doctor, hospital, or state's health department website)

3. Complete the forms and have them witnessed or notarized, if required

4. Distribute copies to your doctor, health care proxy, and family members

5. Review and update your advance directives periodically, especially if your health status or preferences change

Talking to Your Loved Ones

In addition to setting up advance directives, it's crucial to have open and honest conversations with your loved ones about your medical wishes. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and can advocate for your preferences if needed. Consider discussing:

• Your values and beliefs about quality of life

• Specific treatments you would or would not want (e.g., life support, feeding tubes, pain management)

• Your choice of health care proxy and their responsibilities

By taking the time to set up advance directives and discuss your wishes with your loved ones, you can ensure that your medical preferences are respected, even if you can't speak for yourself. Don't wait until a crisis occurs – start the conversation and take action today to protect your future health care decisions.

For more information on advance directives and end-of-life planning, visit:

• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

• AARP: Understanding Advance Directives