An Advanced Directive is not just about old age! In fact, at any age a medical crisis could leave you unable to make your own health care decisions.
What is an Advanced Directive?
It is a legal document and written statement of your preferences and choices regarding end-of-life health care decisions. It goes into effect only if you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself and it helps others know what type of medical care you want.
Why you need an Advanced Directive?
Nobody wants to think about the time when they will no longer be around. But that moment will come for all of us — and having an advanced directive in place can help family and friends handle the inevitable.
For some people, staying alive as long as medically possible is the most important thing. An advance directive can make sure that happens. For others, their preference could be to not use a ventilator or feeding tube when doctors believe a cure is no longer possible and death is certain. An advance directive can make sure that happens.
Two components of an Advanced Directive
Living will
A written document that communicates to doctors how you want to be treated if you are dying and cannot make decisions about emergency treatment. In a living will you can describe the procedures you would want, which ones you would not want, and the conditions in which your choices apply.
Durable power of attorney for health care
A legal document naming an agent to make medical decisions for you at time when you are unable to do so for yourself. Your agent might be a family member or a trusted friend. You can decide how much authority your agent has over your medical care. You can grant authority to make a wide range of decisions or only a few specific ones. Do check with those you choose as your health care agent before you name them officially. Make sure they are comfortable with this responsibility.
Creating the legal document
Once you have talked to your doctor, decided on the type of care you would want and whom would be your agent, the next step is to prepare the legal documents. Most hospitals, doctor offices, and local area agencies on aging have the advanced directive forms. However, as with all legal documents, it is most advisable to consult with a legal professional to ensure the documents match your desires.
What happens if you have no Advanced Directive?
The state where you live will assign someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. This will probably be your spouse, your parents, or your children if they are adults. But without an advanced directive your family members may not all agree on the course of treatment or action. This could create undue stress and conflict.
Nobody can predict the future! You may never face a medical issue where you are not able to speak for yourself and make your preferences known. But having an advanced directive in place, may give you and your loved ones peace of mind.
