Understanding Advance Directives: A Guide to Creating Your Own Health Directive
Nobody wants to think about the worst-case scenarios that could leave them unable to make their own medical decisions. But making important decisions about medical treatment while you are still able can give you peace of mind and ensure that your wishes are respected.
This is where advance directives come in. An advance directive is a legal document that specifies your medical treatment preferences and designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating your own health directive.
Why are Advance Directives Important?
Advance directives are important because they give individuals control over their medical treatment even when they are unable to communicate their wishes. By creating an advance directive, you can ensure that your own values and beliefs are reflected in the medical treatment you receive.
Components of an Advance Directive
There are two main types of advance directives: living wills, which specify the kinds of medical care you want if you become unable to make decisions; and durable powers of attorney for healthcare, which identify who you want to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
A living will can specify your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, such as mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, and CPR. It can also outline your preferences for pain medication and hospice care.
A durable power of attorney for healthcare designates a person to act as your healthcare agent. This person is authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Who Needs an Advance Directive?
All adults should have an advance directive, regardless of age or current health. Unexpected events can happen at any time, so it’s important to think ahead and make your wishes known.
How to Create an Advance Directive
Creating an advance directive is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you can take:
1. Decide what kind of medical treatments you would or would not want to receive if you were unable to make decisions. This can involve thinking about your values and beliefs, as well as consulting your doctor.
2. Choose a healthcare agent who will act on your behalf. This should be someone you trust who understands your preferences.
3. Draft a living will and/or a durable power of attorney for healthcare. You can find forms online, or you may want to consult an attorney to make sure your wishes are properly documented.
4. Discuss your wishes with your family, friends, and doctor. Make sure they understand your preferences and have copies of your advance directive.
Conclusion
Creating an advance directive is an important step in taking control of your medical treatment. By making your wishes known, you can ensure that you receive the care you want, even if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Remember to update your advance directive regularly to reflect any changes in your preferences or circumstances. By doing so, you can have peace of mind that your wishes will be respected.
