A medical advance directive is a legal document. It is prepared while you are able to think rationally and make decisions, and provides guidance for future medical care should you become unable to communicate your wishes at that time. Medical advance directives are simple documents that can be prepared with the help of your attorney, physician or a social worker, and are a wise way to prepare for the future.
Purpose
Medical advance directives provide you with the security of knowing that your wishes regarding medical care will be communicated to health care professionals even when you are unable to communicate at the moment. The American Heart Association points out that these documents also help avoid confusion and can make decisions easier for family members. The stress of making end-of-life decisions for a loved one can be difficult, and you can make things easier by expressing your desires to them ahead of time.
Details
Medical advance directives may contain a variety of details. They may outline the types of care you wish to receive or to not receive, such as breathing machines, whether or not you wish to donate your organs and tissues and whether or not you would like to receive tube feeding. They can dictate whether you will receive emergency resuscitation if you stop breathing or your heart stops beating. Additionally, medical advance directives can name another person to be responsible for decisions regarding your health.
Types
The American Academy of Family Physicians explains several different types of medical advance directives. A living will dictates what type of medical care you would like to receive. A do-not-resuscitate order indicates that you do not want emergency measures taken if you stop breathing or your heart stops beating. A durable power of attorney for health care identifies a person who will make health care decisions about your condition if you become unable to express your wishes.
Getting an Advance Directive
Because the requirements for medical advance directives vary depending on what state you live in, it's wise to seek counsel from a professional in order to produce a document that will not be questioned. The person who is creating the advance directive for themselves must be mentally capable, and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends getting the documents notarized. It's wise to give a copy of these documents to your physician and family members.
Considerations
The American Heart Association emphasizes that end-of-life topics and other issues relating to medical advance directives may be difficult to broach and discuss with loved ones. However, the security of advanced planning can help ease your mind and the minds of those around you. Taking time to discuss these issues now can help reduce painful experiences in the future.
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