What Is Advance Directives?
Summary
Advanced Directives for the Elderly
Advanced directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical care if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. These documents ensure that healthcare providers and family members follow the individual’s wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care.
Types of Advanced Directives:
1. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) – A medical order indicating that a person does not want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart stops or they stop breathing.
2. Do Not Intubate (DNI) – A directive stating that a person does not want to be placed on a ventilator if they experience respiratory failure.
3. Healthcare Proxy (HCP) – A legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone (a healthcare agent) to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated.
4. Healthcare Agent – The person designated in a healthcare proxy to make medical decisions when the individual is unable to do so. This person should be someone trusted to follow the individual’s medical wishes.
5. Living Will – A written statement detailing a person’s specific medical treatment preferences, especially regarding life-sustaining treatments, in the event of a terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness.
6. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare – A legal document that grants a chosen person (attorney-in-fact) the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual. This is broader than a healthcare proxy and may include additional decision-making powers.
7. Durable Power of Attorney (POA) for Finances – A document that designates someone to manage financial affairs if the individual is unable to do so. While not a medical directive, it is often used alongside healthcare directives to ensure financial matters are handled appropriately.
Why Are Advanced Directives Important?
• Ensures an individual’s medical and personal wishes are respected.
• Reducing family conflicts and confusion during medical emergencies.
• Guides healthcare providers on end-of-life care preferences.
• Helps avoid unnecessary and unwanted medical interventions.
Advanced directives should be discussed with family members, healthcare providers, and legal professionals to ensure they align with the individual’s values and are legally valid in their state.
Here is a Health Care Proxy Form Example
HEALTHCARE PROXY FORM
(Pursuant to State Laws – Consult an Attorney for State-Specific Requirements)
I. Designation of Healthcare Agent
I, [Your Full Name], residing at [Your Address], hereby appoint:
Healthcare Agent:
Name: [Agent’s Full Name]
Address: [Agent’s Address]
Phone Number: [Agent’s Phone Number]
as my healthcare agent to make medical decisions for me if I become unable to make them myself.
II. Alternate Healthcare Agent (Optional, but recommended)
If the person above is unable or unwilling to act as my agent, I appoint:
Alternate Healthcare Agent:
Name: [Alternate Agent’s Full Name]
Address: [Alternate Agent’s Address]
Phone Number: [Alternate Agent’s Phone Number]
III. Agent’s Authority
My agent shall have full authority to make any healthcare decisions for me, including but not limited to:
• Consent to or refusing medical treatment, procedures, or hospitalization.
• Decisions regarding artificial nutrition and hydration.
• Accessing my medical records and sharing necessary information with healthcare providers.
• Making decisions regarding my end-of-life care and treatment.
IV. Specific Instructions (Optional – Indicate any preferences below)
☐ I do not want to receive life-prolonging treatments if I am in a terminal condition or permanently unconscious.
☐ I do want all available treatments to prolong my life, regardless of my condition.
☐ I do not wish to receive artificial nutrition and hydration if I am in a vegetative state.
☐ Other instructions: [Specify any other healthcare preferences]
V. Organ Donation (Optional – Initial one option)
_____ I wish to be an organ donor.
_____ I do not wish to be an organ donor.
_____ I wish to donate only the following organs/tissues: [Specify]
VI. Duration and Revocation
This healthcare proxy shall remain in effect unless I revoke it in writing or appoint a new healthcare agent.
VII. Signature and Witnesses
By signing below, I affirm that I am of sound mind and voluntarily appoint the above agent to make healthcare decisions on my behalf.
Principal’s Signature: ___________________________
Date: _______________
Witness #1:
Name: _________________________
Address: _______________________
Signature: ______________________
Date: _______________
Witness #2:
Name: _________________________
Address: _______________________
Signature: ______________________
Date: _______________
(Note: Witnesses should not be the appointed agent, their spouse, or their heirs. Some states require notarization.)
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