Have you given any thought about what would happen if you become incapacitated and unable to make medical decisions for yourself? It’s a tough topic to think about, but it’s important to have an advance directive in place so your wishes are honored.
Advance Directive Forms
An advance directive form is a legal document that outlines your wishes for healthcare treatment, appoints a healthcare proxy to make decisions on your behalf if you can’t and provides instructions for end-of-life care.
If you don’t have an advance directive in place, medical decisions will be made for you based on what medical professionals believe is in your best interest. Your loved ones may not have a say in the decisions.
There are different types of advance directive forms, including living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare. A living will outlines your end-of-life care wishes, such as whether you want to be kept on life support if you’re in a permanent coma or vegetative state. A durable power of attorney for healthcare allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t.
Why You Need an Advance Directive
Having an advance directive is important for many reasons. It ensures that your wishes are honored, provides clarity for your loved ones and healthcare professionals and can prevent family disagreement over end-of-life care.
If you don’t have an advance directive, your family may argue over what they think you would want. In some cases, this can lead to court battles.
Moreover, if you become incapacitated and don’t have an advance directive, medical professionals will make decisions for you based on their professional medical judgement. This decision may not reflect your wishes.
Finally, having an advance directive offers peace of mind for you and your loved ones. By having a clear plan in place for end-of-life care, you can rest assured that your wishes will be followed.
How to Get an Advance Directive Form
Obtaining an advance directive form is easy. Advance directive forms are available for free online and in person from healthcare providers, hospitals, senior centers and community centers.
One place to find free advance directive forms is on the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization website. They offer free advance directives for each state. Other good sources to find advance directive forms for your state are your state’s department of health and your healthcare provider.
Steps to Fill Out an Advance Directive Form
Once you’ve obtained an advance directive form, you’ll need to fill out the document. The process can be done in a few easy steps.
- Choose an agent: Select the person you want to make healthcare decisions for you if you can’t make them yourself. This person will be your healthcare proxy. Choose someone you trust, and discuss your end-of-life care wishes with them.
- Write down your wishes: In the advance directive form, you’ll need to describe your medical care preferences, including what types of treatment you do and don’t want, if you want to be resuscitated, and what your end-of-life wishes are.
- Sign the form: Once you’ve filled out the advance directive form, make sure you and your healthcare proxy sign it. Some states require a witness or notary signature as well. Make sure you follow the instructions for your state.
- Give copies to your agent and healthcare provider: Keep a copy of the advance directive form for yourself, and also give a copy to your healthcare provider and your healthcare proxy. Your healthcare provider will keep your advance directive on file, and your healthcare proxy will need it in case they need to make decisions on your behalf.
The process of filling out an advance directive form may seem daunting, but it’s an important step in ensuring that your wishes are honored if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. By following the steps above, you can have peace of mind that your loved ones and healthcare provider will know what your end-of-life care wishes are.
Conclusion
While it’s not easy to think about end-of-life care, having an advance directive in place is an important step in ensuring that your wishes are honored. By obtaining an advance directive form, filling it out and giving copies to your healthcare provider and healthcare proxy, you can have peace of mind that your wishes will be followed in case you become unable to make decisions for yourself.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to make your wishes known. Get started on your advance directive today!
