The Importance of Advanced Care Directives: Taking Control of Your Future

it's a reality that can be avoided with proper planning and the use of advanced care directives. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of advanced care directives and how they can help you take control of your future.

What are Advanced Care Directives?

Advanced care directives, also known as advance healthcare directives or living wills, are legal documents that allow individuals to communicate their healthcare preferences in the event that they are unable to make decisions for themselves. These directives outline the types of medical treatments and interventions an individual would or would not like to receive.

Why are Advanced Care Directives Important?

Advanced care directives are important because they ensure that your healthcare wishes are known and respected, even if you cannot communicate them yourself. Without these directives, decisions about your medical care may be left to your family members or healthcare providers, who may not be aware of your preferences. By creating advanced care directives, you can have peace of mind knowing that your healthcare decisions will be made according to your wishes. It also relieves your loved ones from the burden of making difficult decisions on your behalf, as they will have clear guidance on what you would want.

Types of Advanced Care Directives

There are several types of advanced care directives that you can consider creating: 1. Living Will: A living will is a document that outlines your preferences for medical treatments and interventions, such as resuscitation, life support, and artificial nutrition and hydration. It provides instructions to healthcare providers about the care you would like to receive or not receive in specific situations. 2. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document designates a trusted individual, known as a healthcare proxy or agent, to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person should be someone who understands your values and wishes regarding medical care. 3. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A DNR order instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. This directive is specifically for situations where CPR would be unlikely to result in a successful outcome.

How to Create Advanced Care Directives

Creating advanced care directives is a relatively simple process, but it is important to consult with a legal professional to ensure that your directives comply with the laws of your jurisdiction. Here are the general steps to create advanced care directives: 1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the laws and requirements for advanced care directives in your area. Familiarize yourself with the different types of directives and what they entail. 2. Reflect on Your Healthcare Wishes: Take the time to think about your values, beliefs, and healthcare preferences. Consider different scenarios and what types of medical treatments you would or would not want to receive. 3. Choose a Healthcare Proxy: If you decide to create a durable power of attorney for healthcare, choose a trusted individual who understands your wishes and is willing to make decisions on your behalf. 4. Consult with a Legal Professional: Seek guidance from a legal professional who specialises in healthcare law. They can help you draft the necessary documents and ensure that they comply with the laws of your jurisdiction. 5. Share Your Directives: Once your advanced care directives are created, make sure to share them with your healthcare providers, family members, and anyone else who may be involved in your care. Keep copies of the documents in a safe and easily accessible place.

Review and Update Regularly

It is important to review and update your advanced care directives regularly. Your preferences may change over time, and it is crucial to ensure that your directives accurately reflect your current wishes. Additionally, if you move to a different jurisdiction, it is important to review your directives to ensure that they comply with the laws of your new location.

Conclusion

Taking control of your future means making your healthcare wishes known. Advanced care directives provide you with the opportunity to communicate your preferences and ensure that they are honoured, even if you cannot speak for yourself. By creating advanced care directives, you can alleviate the burden on your loved ones and healthcare providers, who may otherwise be faced with difficult decisions in challenging circumstances.

Watch our video on advanced care planning to learn more and start the conversation about your future care today. Don't wait until it's too late – take control of your healthcare decisions now and book an online session for help and guidance!