What is an Advance Health Care Directive?

Advance Health Care Directive: Planning ahead reduces stress, confusion, and disagreement

An advance health care directive, also known as living will, personal directive, or advance directive is a set of written instructions that a senior specifies regarding what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity.

The instruction appoints someone, usually called an agent, to make health decisions on their behalf. A living will is one form of advance health care directive. It provides instructions for treatment. Another form authorizes a specific type of power of attorney (POA), in which a person is appointed by the senior to make decisions on their behalf should they become incapacitated. Seniors are often encouraged to complete both documents to provide comprehensive guidance regarding their care. Examples of combination documents include the Five Wishes and MyDirectives advance directives in the United States. The advance health care directive might also include a do not resuscitate (DNR) order.

 

The Living Will

The living will is a written, legal document that dictates the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures you want and don't want. This includes mechanical breathing (respiration and ventilation), tube feeding or resuscitation. In some states, living wills may be called health care declarations or health care directives.

 

Medical or Health Care Power of Attorney (POA)

The medical POA is a legal document that designates an individual, often referred to as your health care agent or proxy, to make medical decisions for you should you become unable to do so. However, it is different from a power of attorney authorizing someone to make financial transactions for you.

 

Do not resuscitate (DNR) order

The DNR order is a request to not have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. Advance health care directives do not have to include a DNR order, and you don't have to have an advance health care directive to have a DNR order. Your doctor can put a DNR order in your medical chart.

 

The laws regarding advanced health care directives, and the information collected in the document vary from state to state and from country to country. Be sure your directive is in line with the laws of the area where you reside. If you move, you’ll want to update your directive to comply with local laws.

 

If you’re a senior and have not yet completed an advance health care directive, seek an attorney who can help you develop your document. You can also complete a directive online by simply visiting CareOptionsOnLine™ (COOL). COOL — used by leading insurance companies to promote prevention, early detection and wellness since 1997 — is one of the most innovative, cloud-based care resources available today. The site can provide you and your family with the information, document sets, tools, and health care answers that can save you money and make your life easier.

 

If you live in a senior apartment or an independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community, ask a staff member about the advance health care directive and let them know your wishes for your health care. Doing so and planning ahead will reduce stress, confusion, and disagreements amongst your family members or caregivers.

If you need help finding the senior housing that best fits your needs, call (888) WE-ASSIST.

Let our senior specialists do the work for you.

 

AFS Blog Date: August 5, 2013

Writer: Ryan Allen