The Critical Importance of Advanced Directive Planning
Life is unpredictable, and any day could bring accidents, injuries, or illnesses that leave us incapacitated and unable to make medical decisions. Imagine a scenario where you’re in a serious accident and can’t communicate your treatment preferences. Are you prepared for such a situation?
That’s where an advanced directive comes in. It’s a crucial legal tool that ensures healthcare professionals follow your wishes about medical treatment when you can’t express them yourself.
What Is an Advanced Directive?
An advanced directive is more than just a legal tool. It’s your voice, your control over your healthcare preferences, even when you can’t communicate them. It’s a document that provides clear instructions about your healthcare preferences in situations where you can no longer speak for yourself. There are two main types of advanced directives:
- Living Will: Specifies the types of medical treatment you wish to receive or avoid in certain situations.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney (or Healthcare Proxy): Appoints a person to make decisions about your medical care if you cannot do so yourself.
Understanding these documents and their implications is essential for everyone, regardless of their health status.
In the directive, you can stipulate things like:
- Whether you want life-sustaining treatment like mechanical ventilation
- If/when you want pain medication, even if it may affect mental acuity
- Your preferences for tube feeding
- When you would want cardiac resuscitation
- Any treatment areas you want to limit based on your values
Advantages of Advanced Directive Planning
- Ensures Your Medical Wishes Are Honored
- One primary reason to have an advanced directive is to ensure your healthcare preferences are respected. Articulating your wishes assures you can receive the type of care you desire.
- Reduces Family Stress and Conflicts
- Advanced directives can significantly reduce the emotional burden on your family members during a crisis. With clear instructions, families can avoid the stress of making tough decisions and potential conflicts.
- Improves Quality of Health Care
- Communicating your wishes enables healthcare providers to tailor treatments that align with your preferences, improving your quality of life during critical times.
- Legal Protection
- Advanced directives are legal guidelines for health care providers and family members. They ensure that your wishes are known and legally protected.
How to Create an Advanced Directive
- Reflect on your values and wishes: Consider what is most important regarding quality of life and medical interventions.
- Consult with healthcare providers: Talk to your doctors to understand potential future health scenarios and medical options.
- Choose a healthcare proxy: Select a trusted individual who understands your values and is willing to decide.
- Legally draft the document: Use legal resources or attorneys specializing in healthcare law to ensure the document meets state requirements.
- Communicate your wishes: Share your advanced directives with your family and healthcare providers.
How to Get Started
Don’t wait until it’s too late — the time to make an advanced directive is now, while you can still express your wishes. Start by having a conversation with your family about your values and priorities regarding healthcare decisions.
Then, find out about advanced directive laws and requirements in your state, which vary across the U.S. Many states provide printable forms and guidance to make the process easy.
Colorado residents can also find helpful information at the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment website.
Once completed, provide copies to your healthcare proxy, family members, physician, and anyone involved in your care. Review and update the directive periodically as your situation changes.
Taking the time for advanced directive planning is challenging but essential. It ensures you remain in control of your healthcare decisions and greatly increases the chances that your true wishes will be fulfilled during future health crises.
Protect Your Healthcare Preferences
Creating an advanced directive is a significant step toward protecting your healthcare preferences and ensuring your well-being, regardless of what the future holds. This proactive approach gives you peace of mind and greatly supports your loved ones during potentially challenging times. Don’t leave these vital matters to chance—put an advanced directive in place today. We encourage you and your surrogate to discuss your wishes.
This article was reviewed by Suzanne Torris, MS, RN, FNP.
