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Advance directives are written instructions that specify a person's preferences about end-of-life care. Typically an advance directive is used as an umbrella term for two types of legal documents: a living will and a medical (health care) power of attorney. A living will includes preferences for medical care and treatment at end of life. A medical power of attorney enables a person to appoint another as a “health care proxy” or “agent." A health care proxy takes over medical decision-making when an individual no longer able to do so, as determined by medical doctors.
Advance directives can be accessed from many sources including health care providers, legal offices, offices on aging, and the internet. It is important to note that state laws differ regarding advance directives, but forms are available online for a majority of states. For example, yesterday’s blog post referred to Five Wishes, which is an example of a living will or advance directive. Five Wishes meets legal requirements for 42 states. Free state-specific advance directives and related instructions are also available through the
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).
An advance directive becomes a legal document once signed in front of required witnesses. Completing an advance directive protects patients’ rights and preferences relating to a quality end-of-life experience. While initiating discussion about end-of-life care can be difficult for everyone involved, it can prevent the burden of complicated decision-making on doctors, family, and friends. It may help to have a third party facilitate the discussion and preparation of an advance directive, such as a friend of the family, an attorney, or a health professional. Once an advance directive is completed, copies should be given to those that are involved with the individual's health care, such as doctors, the appointed health care proxy, and selected friends and family members.
For more information on advance directives, the following NHPCO article may be of help:
What are Advance Directives?
Have you and your loved ones completed advance directives? Please share resources and tips below.
Blog reposted from November 2010 
