As we journey through life, planning for our healthcare needs is essential. One crucial aspect of this planning is creating advance directives (also known as living will). These documents outline our wishes for medical care if we’re unable to communicate them ourselves.
This article will discuss essential tips to ensure a thorough understanding of advance directives and their significance in healthcare planning, particularly in old age.
Start Talking Early
Beginning conversations about healthcare preferences with our loved ones and healthcare providers early on can alleviate uncertainty and ensure our wishes are known. These discussions allow us to express our values, beliefs, and preferences regarding medical care. Additionally, initiating these conversations can help avoid decision-making crises during times of medical emergencies.
Know Our Options
Understanding the components of advance directives, such as the living will and healthcare power of attorney, empowers us to make informed decisions about our future medical care. A living will allows us to specify which medical treatments we would or would not want in various scenarios, providing clarity to our healthcare team and loved ones. Simultaneously, appointing a healthcare power of attorney ensures that someone we trust will make healthcare decisions on our behalf if we become incapacitated.
Pick a Trusted Person
Selecting a healthcare proxy requires careful consideration. This individual should be trustworthy and understand our values and preferences for medical care. We must discuss candidly with our chosen proxy to ensure they are willing and prepared to advocate for our wishes, even in challenging circumstances.
Be Clear and Detailed
Clarity and detail in advance directives are paramount. Clearly articulating our medical preferences leaves no room for ambiguity, ensuring our wishes are accurately interpreted and honored. Including specific instructions for various medical scenarios, such as end-of-life care and life-sustaining treatments, helps guide decision-making for our healthcare team and loved ones.
Update Regularly
Our healthcare preferences may evolve due to changes in health status, personal beliefs, or life circumstances. Regularly reviewing and updating our advance directives ensures that they accurately reflect our current wishes. Engaging in periodic discussions with our healthcare providers and loved ones facilitates this process, allowing adjustments as needed.
Talk to Our Doctor
Consulting with our healthcare provider about advance directives is essential for comprehensive healthcare planning. Our doctor can provide valuable insight, address any concerns or questions we may have, and ensure that our advance directives comply with legal requirements and medical standards of care.
Keep Copies Accessible
After completing advance directives, it’s crucial to distribute copies to key individuals, including family members, healthcare providers, and our designated healthcare proxy. Keeping copies readily accessible in various locations, such as at home, with our doctor, and in digital formats, ensures that our wishes can be easily accessed and implemented.
Pro tip: The Unified Caring Association (UCA) provides detailed information about advance directives. Join UCA to receive more information on the often confusing terminology in Advanced Directives or Living Wills.
Take home
Advance directives, also known as living will, are powerful tools for expressing our healthcare preferences and ensuring that our wishes are respected, even if we’re unable to communicate them ourselves. By starting early, understanding our options, selecting a trusted healthcare proxy, being clear and detailed, updating regularly, consulting with our doctor, and keeping copies accessible, we can navigate advance directives with confidence and peace of mind.