An
Advance Directive is, according to the National Institute of Health:
“What kind of medical care would you want if you were too ill or hurt to express your wishes? Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on.”
An Advance Directive is a legal document stating your healthcare wishes should you not be able to express them due to injury or illness.
An Advance Directive can be:
-
- A Living Will
- Power of attorney
- DNR (Do Not Recusitate)
- Organ Donation Card
- Verbal Instructions
All states have different laws governing Advance Directives, check with your doctor, attorney or hospital for specific information in your state.
Most people do not have an Advance Directive, and if the need arises, the lack of one could create confusion and conflict.
Examples of stating your wishes
- Not wanting a blood transfusion
- Not wanting life support under certain circumstances
- Invasive life safe-saving procedures
Write an Advance Directive according to your state’s laws. Give copies to your healthcare provider.
An advance directive will let family and health care professionals your wishes regarding the type of treatments you wish to have preformed, whether you wish invasive lifesaving measures, or not.
Advance Directives can be changed at anytime by you if you change your mind about anything. Inform your family, healthcare practitioners, or proxy of any changes and update any documents.
Carry a copy in your wallet and the glove box of your car.
Take a copy with you to the hospital, tell the staff over your care about the documents.
For more information:
National Institute of Health
The Family Doctor
Books about Advance Directives
Photo – Esther Ann – Unsplash
