Many people put off thinking about the end of life, but when speaking about medical issues few realize how difficult it can be for families to decide on treatment plans with no input from the patient. Heart wrenching decisions later could be avoided through a legal document called an advance directive. This document is a way to communicate the patient’s wishes for medical treatment in the event that they cannot express them themselves because of sickness or injury. An advance directive specifies how they want to be treated, and whether they want to receive intravenous fluids and nutrition in the event that they cannot eat and drink. An advance directive can also tell the patient’s family if they want to be organ donors, if they wish to receive pain medicine, or if they would like to designate a trusted person as an agent who would be authorized to make medical decisions in the patient’s best interest.
Filling out an advanced directive is easy; forms can usually be obtained from any healthcare provider, hospital or clinic, or even downloaded online, and they include detailed step-by-step instructions. If the patient is designating someone to act as their agent, they should make sure that person feels comfortable acting in this capacity. If the patient has specific religious beliefs, consulting someone within their church can be helpful in deciding what is right for them. After filling out the form, they should have it notarized or witnessed. It is important that the advanced directive reflects the patient’s choices and values, and clearly communicates them to their family and health care providers. Step up and start the conversation. Make an advance directive, and encourage your loved ones to make one too. Your wishes can be heard whether or not your voice can. |
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