What are advance directives?

“Advance directives” is a general term that refers to your oral and/or written instructions regarding future medical care, in the event that you become unable to communicate.  Advance directives provide you with a way to communicate your wishes to family, friends and healthcare professionals.  By supplying Life Choice with a copy of your advance directives, you are ensuring that your desires will be respected no matter what and that there will be no confusion later on.  There are two types of advance directives – a living will and a medical power of attorney. 

What is a living will?

A living will is a type of advance directive in which you describe in writing your wishes about medical treatment should you be unable to communicate at the end of life.  Your right to accept or refuse treatment is protected by constitutional and common law.

A living will identifies how you feel about care that is intended to sustain life.  You have the ability to either accept or refuse medical care.  Some of the issues to address include:

• The use of dialysis and breathing machines
• If you want to be resuscitated if breathing or heartbeat stops
• Tube feeding
• Organ or tissue donation

What is a medical power of attorney?

A medical power of attorney is a document that enables you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your medical care in the event that you cannot make decisions on your own.  This person is referred to as your healthcare proxy.

Advance directives give you the opportunity to make decisions about your medical care when you are no longer able to communicate.  Advance directives will not be used if you still have the ability to express your own desires regarding care.  For your protection, we suggest that advance directives be prepared with the assistance of an attorney.