ABOUT ADVANCED DIRECTIVES

About Advanced Directives

Advanced directives are a way to outline your wishes for medical care if you become unable to make medical decisions on your own. Advanced directives are especially important for those who have life-limiting illnesses because it allows them to be part of the decision-making process and make their medical care preferences known to their medical team as their illness progresses. We encourage our patients to discuss advanced directives with their families or loved ones.

One thing that is important to describe in your advanced directive, is the level of treatment you would want to receive based on how your illness progresses. It tells doctors what treatments you don’t want, as well as which treatments should be continued despite how ill you may become.

Each state has different laws for advanced directives. You should become familiar with the laws in your state and talk to your family or loved ones about advanced directives.

The following are different types of advanced directives.

Living Will
A living will is a legal document that describes the types of medical treatments you would like if you become seriously or terminally ill. You are not able to select someone to make decisions for you with a living will.
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney (DPA), for health care, allows you to select a person to make health care decisions for you if you are unconscious or unable to make your own medical decisions.
Do Not Resuscitate Order
A do not resuscitate (DNR) order is a request not to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing.

Should I have an advanced directive?
By creating an advanced directive, you are making your preferences about medical care known before you're faced with a serious injury or illness. This will spare your loved ones the stress of making decisions about your care while you are sick. Any person 18 years of age or older can prepare an advanced directive.

People who are seriously or terminally ill are more likely to have an advanced directive. For example, someone with terminal cancer might write that she does not want to be put on a respirator if she stops breathing. This action can reduce her suffering, increase her peace of mind and increase her control over her death. However, even if you are in good health, you might want to consider writing an advanced directive. An accident or serious illness can happen suddenly, and if you already have a signed advanced directive, your wishes are more likely to be followed.

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