Advance directives allow you to legally document your end-of-life decisions in advance. This documentation can help provide peace of mind by ensuring that things are handled in accordance to personally-held values and beliefs.
Advance directives enable you to express how much medical care you desire at the end-of-life. This care can include life-support machines and other life-prolonging treatment. These legal documents are your voice when you are no longer able to make decisions on your own. They allow you to outline your wishes in a way that will avoid confusion and stress later on.
There are generally three categories of advance directives: health care proxy, durable power of attorney, and a living will.
A living will documents what types of medical treatment you want in the future should you become incapable of communicating your wishes. A living will explains what life-prolonging treatment may or may not be performed. If you don’t have a living will, someone else will make the medical treatment decisions for you if you were to become incapacitated.
A health care proxy is a legal document which allows a person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. They are able to make medical decisions based on the most up-to-date information. This should be a person trusted to respect your wishes even in times of great stress and sadness.
A durable power of attorney allows an appointed individual to handle financial and business transactions if you are unable to perform them yourself. These decisions can include: making bank transactions, signing social security checks, applying for disability, or paying bills on your behalf.
Be mindful that different states have varying laws on advance directives and your documents must comply with your state’s laws.
It’s okay if your decision changes over the course of your lifetime. Know that you can change or cancel advance directives as long as you are considered competent and able to clearly indicate your desires. Remember to give copies of your signed and notarized advanced directive to family members, caregivers, and health care providers and notify them of any changes or cancellations.
April is Advance Directive Awareness Month, a great time to consider and document your wishes. ViaQuest encourages all individuals, regardless of age, to complete an advance directive. It’s an important step in directing your end-of-life care and ensuring your voice is heard. Having advance directives also helps reduce the stress and burden of loved ones left to make decisions when you cannot. Visit our website for resources, information and tools to help you complete your advance directives.
