What is an advance directive?

Written by Benjamin Kingsley

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An advance directive is a legal document that allows you to express your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care in advance, should you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. There are two main types of advance directives:

1. Living Will: A living will outlines your preferences for life-sustaining medical treatments, such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, and other interventions. It specifies the circumstances under which you would want these treatments to be withheld or withdrawn if you are terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state.

2. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document allows you to appoint a trusted individual, known as a health care agent or proxy, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Your agent has the authority to interpret your wishes and make decisions about your care based on your previously stated preferences or their understanding of what you would want.

Advance directives provide a way for you to maintain control over your medical treatment and ensure that your wishes are respected if you cannot communicate them yourself. They can help avoid potential conflicts among family members and provide guidance to healthcare providers about the care you desire. It is essential to discuss your advance directives with your loved ones and healthcare providers to ensure they understand your preferences.

Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.

Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.