What happens if you experience a catastrophic accident or
illness that makes you unconscious or unable to communicate? How do you ensure
that your wishes are known about your medical care? Advance Care Directives is the answer.
By planning in advance, you can receive the medical care you
desire, relieving loved ones of making major medical decisions during moments
of grief or crisis. Advance Care Directives help reduce confusion and disagreement about medical
care.
Many people think that Advance
Care Directives are only for the elderly. However, unexpected ends of life
can happen to anyone at any age. It is important for everyone to prepare
advance directives.
Two Types of Advance Care Directives:
A Living Will
Living wills are legal documents. If you are incapacitated,
they state your wishes for the care you want to receive.
When you make a living will, you will consider the
importance of being independent and independent. You will need to decide which
medical interventions are admissible and whether you want your life extended if
there is no hope of recovery.
A living will typically include the conditions involved:
- Resuscitation
- Mechanical ventilation
- Tuberculosis
- Dialysis
- Comfort care
- Organ and tissue donation
- Donating your body for scientific reasons
Medical Power Of Attorney
A medical power of attorney is also well known as a health
care proxy. This option allows you to name someone else, such as your spouse or
adult child, who can make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
The medical power of attorney is not the same as the Powers Of Attorney that allows another person to handle your financial or
legal matters.
It is important to choose the right person to act on your
behalf regarding important medical decisions. Even if you have other documents
covering slant of your care not every situation can be anticipated. The person
you choose to represent should meet the following criteria:
- Want to discuss medical care and end of life issues
- Ready to follow your desires and values
- Able to be your lawyer if disagreements arise over your care
Important points to remember about Advance Care Directives
- States regulate Advance Care Directives differently. Having a lawyer to prepare your advance directive is a wise choice.
- Advance Care Directives can be revised, updated and cancelled as per state law.
- Individuals residing in multiple states may desire Advance Care Directives in each state.
- Make sure that your health care proxy has updated copies of your Advance Care Directives.
- Give your doctor and other related medical care providers your advance directives.
Advance Care Directives
are an important part of health care. No one can predict when an unexpected
medical condition will occur. An advance directive helps loved ones, and
medical staffs make important decisions during a crisis. Having Advance Care Directives ensures that
your health care wishes are fulfilled, even when you are unable to make your
wishes known.
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