What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning is the process of thinking about and documenting your healthcare wishes for the future. It helps you make decisions about the medical care you want if you can’t speak for yourself.
What are Advance Directives?
Advance directives are legal documents that record your healthcare choices. These documents include your wishes about treatments and who you want to make decisions for you if you can’t.
Why is Advance Care Planning Important?
Advance care planning ensures your wishes are known and respected. It helps your family and doctors understand your choices and reduces confusion and stress during difficult times.
How Do I Create an Advance Directive?
What Are the Steps to Create an Advance Directive?
- Think About Your Wishes: Consider what treatments you do or do not want.
- Talk to Your Loved Ones: Discuss your wishes with family and friends.
- Write It Down: Use legal forms to document your wishes.
- Choose a Healthcare Proxy: Pick someone to make decisions for you if you can’t.
- Share Your Directive: Give copies to your family and doctors.
What Types of Advance Directives Are There?
What is a Living Will?
A living will outlines the medical treatments you want or don’t want if you are seriously ill or injured and can’t speak for yourself.
What is a Healthcare Proxy?
A healthcare proxy is a person you choose to make medical decisions for you if you can’t. This person is also known as a healthcare agent or durable power of attorney for healthcare.
What Should I Include in My Advance Directive?
What Treatments Should I Consider?
Think about treatments like:
- Resuscitation: If you stop breathing or your heart stops.
- Mechanical Ventilation: If you need a machine to help you breathe.
- Tube Feeding: If you can’t eat or drink.
- Dialysis: If your kidneys stop working.
What Personal Wishes Might I Include?
Include any personal wishes like:
- Pain Management: How you want pain treated.
- Organ Donation: If you want to donate your organs.
- Religious or Cultural Beliefs: Any specific practices you want followed.
How Often Should I Update My Advance Directive?
When Should I Review My Advance Directive?
Review and update your advance directive if:
- Your Health Changes: After a new diagnosis or illness.
- Life Events Occur: Like marriage, divorce, or having children.
- You Change Your Mind: About your treatment wishes.
What Happens if I Don’t Have an Advance Directive?
Who Makes Decisions Without an Advance Directive?
If you don’t have an advance directive, doctors will rely on family members to make decisions. This can lead to confusion and disagreements about your care.
How Can I Learn More About Advance Care Planning?
For more information about advance care planning and advance directives, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. They can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your future healthcare.
