Advance Directives typically outlines the type of medical care a family member indicated they want or do not want to receive in the event they are unable to communicate (i.e. to be allowed to pass comfortably without certain life saving measures).
Having a living will before a medical crisis arises is an important document to have prepared. This will provide your family understanding of your wishes and guide medical practitioners. This document can prevent confusion or disagreement at a potentially critical time.
In this blog article we’ll provides you a general guideline to understanding Advance Directives.
Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to make decisions now about your healthcare should you otherwise be unable to speak for yourself. This can include emergencies or end-of-life care.
These directives are only put into place if you become incapacitated and can't speak for yourself. They are legal and binding documents and should be discussed with your family and your doctor. The directives can relieve family members from questioning what you would've wanted.
There are two primary types of advance directives, a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney.
Living wills are legal documents that states your wishes about the use of certain medical decisions and health treatments at the end of life. Should you become incapacitated due to a serious injury, terminal illness, or at the end stages of life, a living will guarantee your healthcare wishes are carried out.
Consulting with your healthcare practitioner as you begin preparation will be beneficial.
This document names a healthcare proxy. You will name a person who will make health care choices for you if needed. You can also note which treatments you do and do not want.
The proxy you name should be someone that you have discussed your wishes with. A healthcare proxy can be named in addition to a living will.
Your representative can be your spouse, friend or adult child. As long as it's someone you trust to keep true to your wishes and someone that you can openly communicate with about these important decisions.
If you have a living will and healthcare proxy named, there are additional directives to you may want to consider in your living will. Some of these may include:
The first step is discussing your wishes and concerns with your doctor. They can go over any questions you might have and discuss the items in the living will.
The next step is to discuss your wishes with your family. Consider who to appoint as healthcare proxy. It's important to be clear and discuss your wishes with them.
All states accept advance directives, but the rules for advance directives vary between states. Take a moment to understand your state's guidelines here.
Provide a copy to your family, doctors, and anyone else who may decide your health care. Keep the original with your important documents at home. If you make changes, give everyone the updated copy to replace the old one.
In addition to written copies of your advance directives, be sure to speak openly and honestly with your loved ones. Truthfully answer their questions so that they really understand your wishes.
No one wants to think about being critically ill or enduring end-of-life decisions. An advance directive will give you peace of mind and your healthcare wishes will be fulfilled.
Church Home LifeSpring is a long and short term care facility committed to exceed normal caregiving and rehabilitation services to the Middle Georgia community. We invite you to contact us.