My Life, My Choice: A Casual Guide To Advance Care Directives

What is an Advance Care Directive?

An Advance Care Directive (ACD) is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding your medical treatment in case you are unable to communicate them yourself. This could happen due to illness, injury, or other circumstances. By creating an ACD, you are ensuring that your preferences are respected, even if you can’t express them directly.

Why Create an Advance Care Directive?

There are several reasons why it’s important to have an ACD:

Peace of mind: Knowing that your wishes will be followed can provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind.

Avoid unnecessary suffering: An ACD can help prevent unnecessary medical treatments or prolongations of life that may not be in your best interest.

Empower your loved ones: Your ACD can guide your family and friends in making difficult decisions about your care.

Image Source: freeforms.com

What Does an Advance Care Directive Include?

An ACD typically includes the following elements:

Appointment of a Healthcare Agent: You can designate a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf.

Statement of Your Wishes: You can express your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, such as:

Intubation: Being placed on a ventilator to assist breathing

Feeding tubes: Being fed through a tube inserted into your stomach

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Efforts to revive your heart and lungs

Organ Donation: You can indicate whether you wish to donate your organs after death.

How to Create an Advance Care Directive

You can create an ACD in several ways:

1. Online resources: Many websites offer free downloadable ACD templates.
2. Legal professionals: An attorney can help you create a customized ACD.
3. Healthcare providers: Some healthcare facilities may have ACD forms available.

Conclusion

Creating an Advance Care Directive is a proactive step in ensuring that your healthcare wishes are respected. By taking the time to document your preferences, you can alleviate the burden on your loved ones and ensure that your end-of-life care aligns with your values.

FAQs

1. Is an Advance Care Directive legally binding? Yes, Advance Care Directives are legally binding in most jurisdictions.
2. Can I change my Advance Care Directive? Yes, you can update your ACD at any time. Simply create a new document or amend your existing one.
3. When should I create an Advance Care Directive? It’s recommended to create an ACD as soon as you are an adult, but you can do so at any time.
4. Can my family override my Advance Care Directive? In general, your family cannot override your ACD. However, there may be exceptions in certain circumstances.
5. Do I need to share my Advance Care Directive with my healthcare providers? It’s important to share your ACD with your healthcare providers so they are aware of your wishes.

Advance Care Directive Form