Creating an advance care directive, also known as a living will or advance healthcare directive, is an important step in ensuring that your healthcare wishes are respected in the event that you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. This legal document outlines the medical treatments and interventions that you would like to receive or decline if you become incapacitated or terminally ill.
Putting together an advance care directive can be an emotional and challenging process, but it is a crucial one. Here are some important things to consider when creating your advance care directive:
- Understand the purpose and importance of an advance care directive
An advance care directive is a legal document that outlines your healthcare wishes in the event that you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. This document ensures that your healthcare wishes are respected and followed, even if you are unable to communicate them to your healthcare providers. - Choose a trusted person to act as your healthcare proxy
Your healthcare proxy, also known as your healthcare agent or surrogate, is the person who will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them for yourself. Choose someone who you trust to make decisions that align with your wishes and who is comfortable advocating for you in a medical setting. - Consider your medical wishes and preferences
Think about the medical treatments and interventions that you would like to receive or decline in certain situations. For example, would you want to be resuscitated if your heart stopped beating? Would you want to be placed on life support if you were in a vegetative state? Consider your personal values, beliefs, and goals when making these decisions. - Consult with your healthcare providers
Talk to your healthcare providers about your medical wishes and preferences. Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits of certain treatments and interventions, and can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. - Include specific instructions in your advance care directive
Be as specific as possible in your advance care directive. Include instructions about the types of medical treatments and interventions that you would like to receive or decline, as well as any other specific wishes you may have (such as the use of pain medication). - Keep your advance care directive up-to-date
Your healthcare wishes and preferences may change over time, so it's important to review and update your advance care directive regularly. Make sure that your healthcare proxy and loved ones are aware of any changes that you make to your advance care directive. - Consider cultural, spiritual, and religious beliefs
Your cultural, spiritual, and religious beliefs may influence your medical wishes and preferences. Consider these factors when making decisions about your healthcare and include any relevant instructions in your advance care directive. - Communicate with your loved ones
Talk to your loved ones about your advance care directive and your healthcare wishes. Make sure that they understand your wishes and know who your healthcare proxy is. Having these conversations can help ensure that your wishes are respected and followed. - Store your advance care directive in a safe place
Make sure that your advance care directive is easily accessible to your healthcare providers and loved ones. Keep a copy in a safe place, like Addio, and provide copies to your healthcare proxy, healthcare providers, and loved ones.
Creating an advance care directive can be a challenging and emotional process, but it's an important one. By considering these important factors and taking the time to create a comprehensive and thoughtful advance care directive, you can ensure that your healthcare wishes are respected and followed, even if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
Should you create an online will or use an attorney?
