First, advance directives allow you to express your wishes and give you choice about what treatments or procedures are used. Secondly, advance directives can reduce the possibility of family conflict. In some cases, family conflict can also lead to legal conflict.
The first step in establishing advance directives is to find the correct advance directives for your state. If you have residences in more than one state, you will want to have an advance directive for each state. Reviewing the advance directives for your state gives you a starting point for thinking about your wishes. Think of the document as a guide.
The other terms for advance directives are where things get really confusing. If only there were a uniform name for these documents in every state, but that is not the case. Each state dictates what to call an advance directive and the forms that you should use. As a result, you will want to make sure that you are using the documents that the state and court recognize in your state.
By filling out an advance directive, you can ease the minds and burdens of your loved ones during a difficult time. You will have already made the hard decisions so they won’t have to. This can reduce family conflict and feelings of guilt that arise when decisions have to be made without knowing your preferences.
It's a responsible act to plan ahead for the care you do or do not want to receive. By planning ahead, you'll also unburden your family from making tough decisions when the time comes someday. Just like a legal will, this is something everyone should have, regardless of age or health.
You can’t anticipate every possibility, so take some time to discuss your wishes with your health care providers and those closest to you if your directive doesn’t provide a clear mandate for a particular situation.
If you are over the age of 18, you need an advance directive, as parents have legal guardianship of anyone under the age of 18. The fact is that accidents happen at any age and without an advance directive, a young person has no one (not even their parents) to make decisions about their care and treatment.
The term advance health directive refers to a written statement or document that communicates guidance or direction for your future medical treatment in the event of your incapacity. If you become unable to discuss the type of care you would like to receive with your healthcare providers, an advance directive document will provide directions.
Research shows that 80 percent of Americans will die in some type of medical facility. There have been considerable advancements in technology, machines, and treatments to prolong life and delay a natural death. But while the time you spend living may be increased, the quality of your life may be drastically reduced.
Determining your end of life care is very personal and private and can be an upsetting matter. It’s not easy to think about being in a state where life-sustaining measures need to be performed for you to stay alive and in which you aren’t able to communicate your wants and wishes.
A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a document that allows you to designate someone to make healthcare decisions for you should you be unable to do so. That person, called an agent or healthcare proxy, is required to follow your directions concerning medical care and lifesaving treatments on your behalf.
There are several ways to prepare an Advance Directive. Consulting with a qualified attorney is a good route if you want to make it part of your overall estate planning. A local attorney should also be well-versed on your particular state laws and what’s required to make an Advance Directive.
End of life is not the only Advance Directive you can prepare before you need it. There are also directives that can be created in the event of a mental health crisis. This type of Advance Directive goes into effect if you are hospitalized and are unable to make decisions on your own because of the state of your mental health.
Once you have properly executed your Advance Directive documents, you will want to make copies. Give a copy to your primary care physician. If you have more than one physician, make sure they each have a copy.
There are many medical decisions you can include in your Advance Directive. Some things to think about and decide on before you move on might include:
Advance Directives are an important part of preparing for life’s unknowns. Isn’t it time you start thinking about creating yours? Think of the incredible peace of mind you’ll have knowing you’ve lifted some of the burden off your loved ones by making your wishes clearly known. Prepare today for what they may need to deal with in the future. Trust & Will makes the process of creating your Living Will and Advance Directive quick and simple.
However you go about it, your goal is to better-ensure your wishes are known and followed should the time ever come where you can’t make your own decisions regarding your medical care. Your Healthcare Directive can make sure doctors and your family know how you feel about many different types of medical decisions.
Planning ahead for life’s unknowns can be scary, but worth it. Learn about advance directives, living wills and more in this article by Trust & Will.
Yes, you can change, update or revoke any or all parts of your Advance Healthcare Directive at any time.