Advance directives: It’s never too early to make your wishes known
Only about one in five Americans
has an advance directive. This is
a document that explains the
kind of medical care you want — or
don’t want — if you can no longer
make decisions for yourself. Without an
advance directive, family members and
doctors will use their best judgment.
Examples of
advance directives
One type of advance directive, a living
will, provides detailed instructions about
your preferences if you are incapacitated
and require medical care to stay alive.
In another form of advance directive, a medical power of attorney, you name a trusted relative or friend as your agent to make treatment decisions for you if necessary. This document also is sometimes called a “durable power of attorney” or “health care proxy.” A medical power of attorney may simply name your substitute decision maker, and it also could include your detailed preferences for end-of-life care.
If you’re ready to set up an advance directive
Start by talking with your physician. You also may seek advice from your attorney, contact your state bar association, or research advance directives on the Internet. Your document does not need to be drawn up by an attorney, but it should comply with the law and must be signed in the presence of witnesses.Be sure to give a copy of your advance directive to your doctor and hospital. You also should supply copies to your attorney, family member or friend, who would need to have access to the form. Most important, if you’ve designated someone as your substitute decision maker, supply him or her with a copy. You can revise your advance directive at any time.
It may be well worth preparing an advance directive when you’re healthy, say experts. Waiting until an illness or accident strikes can make it more difficult to think rationally.
