None of us like to get sick. But then, life is a place where unexpected things can happen. Imagine, if you suddenly become seriously ill, or if you have an accident and are unable to speak, what would you do if you could not say what kind of medical treatment you want, what you do not want? This is a way to express your wishes in such a situation, called an `` advance directive ''. Simply put, it is like your voice, a document that states your wishes even if you are unable to speak.
What exactly is an ``Advance Directive''?
An Advance Directive is a legal document that tells your doctors, nurses, and loved ones what medical treatment you want or don't want if you are no longer able to make your own decisions. For example, you may not want certain treatments or be connected to certain machines to keep you alive. You can tell your doctors, nurses, and loved ones in advance about these things through this document.
You can also specify who you will name to be responsible for ensuring that your wishes are met. This is very important because it gives you control over your future medical care.
Any adult can make an ``Advance Directive ''. The best thing is to have such a document completed while you are still healthy. Because we never know when an illness or accident will happen.
What are the main types of `(Advance Directive)`?
There are also different types of `(Advance Directive)`. Let's see what they are.
1. Living Will
This is also a legal document. It tells you what medical treatment you want and don't want in the event of an emergency, or if you are terminally ill, or if you become permanently unconscious. It can clearly state what medical treatments you want and don't want, and when those decisions will apply . For example, it can state whether you want a ventilator or not, or whether you want tube feeding.
2. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPA)
This is also a legal document. What you are doing with this is naming someone who can make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. This person is also called your "healthcare proxy." It is very important that the person you name is someone who is very knowledgeable about your values and wishes . They are also called your surrogate, agent or representative.
You can make a DPA along with a Living Will, or you can make just one. This is sometimes called a Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA).
3. Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)
This `(POLST)` is a form filled out by your doctor. Usually, you and your doctor create it together after you have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition. It does not replace your other `(Advance Directive)` documents, but it gives clear instructions for doctors to act quickly in an emergency. It is also called a `(Portable Medical Order).` It is usually printed on pink paper, so it can be quickly identified in an emergency.
4. Do-Not-Resuscitate Order (DNR)
A ``DNR'' is a legal document that states that you have decided that if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing, you will not be given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) . This decision is usually made by people who are terminally ill or have very serious health conditions. A ``DNR'' order is often written by a doctor after discussing the pros and cons of ``CPR'' with you and your family.
Do I also need an ``Advance Directive''?
Many people think that these things are only needed by people who are sick or elderly. But that's a misconception. Illness can come at any age. You may not be able to express your wishes due to a medical emergency. Therefore, it is best to make an ``Advance Directive'' while you are healthy and can make your decisions clearly.
By doing this now, you can be sure that you will receive the medical care you want when you need it. Also, if you have named someone you trust as your Healthcare Proxy, you can have peace of mind that they will speak for you, even if you are unable to speak to them.
What happens if I don't have an Advance Directive?
If you don't have an Advance Directive and you are unable to make your own decisions, the laws of the state/province where you live will determine who will make decisions for you. This power is usually given to your spouse, parents, or adult children. If you have no family, some legal systems allow a close friend who knows your values to help make decisions. But this is a precarious situation. How much better to have your wishes written down than to have others guess what you want?
How to make an ``Advance Directive''?
Making an Advance Directive is not as complicated as you might think. It can be as simple as writing down your wishes on a piece of paper. However, the most important thing is to do it in accordance with the laws of your country/state.
Here are some steps:
- First, think carefully about what you want and what you don't want.
- If you can, get advice from a lawyer or your doctor about this. They can also review the document you are preparing.
- Then, you sign the document and, if necessary, have it notarized.
- Give copies of this to your doctors, your designated health care representative, and your family.
Remember, this is not something you should keep a secret. It is very important that those closest to you are aware of your decisions.
When does an ``Advance Directive'' come into effect?
An ``Advance Directive'' only comes into effect when you are no longer able to communicate your medical wishes. This means that this document will not come into effect until you are of sound mind and able to make decisions.
However, here's something important to know. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) generally do not accept an Advance Directive, a Living Will, or a DPA. Their primary job is to stabilize you and get you to a hospital. An Advance Directive can only be implemented after a doctor at the hospital has assessed your condition and determined that you are capable of making decisions. However, even EMTs may be able to follow a POLST or DNR order, depending on local laws.
Can I change my ``Advance Directive''?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can revoke or change your Advance Directive at any time. But there is one condition: you must be able to think clearly and express your wishes clearly.
In fact, it's a good idea to review your Advance Directive from time to time to make sure it still reflects your latest wishes. As your life changes, your thoughts can change, right? If you make a new Advance Directive, the old one will automatically be revoked. Be sure to sign the new one as before, have it notarized if necessary, and inform your doctors and loved ones of the changes.
Is there an expiration date for ``Advance Directive''?
No. An Advance Directive does not have an expiration date. It remains in effect until you change it. That's why we've said before that it's important to review it from time to time to make sure it still reflects your wishes. If you fill out a new Advance Directive, it will replace the old one.
Thinking about an ``Advance Directive'' may not be a pleasant experience. However, it is essential to ensure that your medical wishes are carried out in the event that you are no longer able to express your views. These may be difficult decisions for you to make. However, they are very important.
Take-Home Message:
Okay, so I hope you now have a good understanding of the ``Advance Directive`` we talked about. In summary:
- An ``Advance Directive'' is a legal document that states your wishes regarding your medical treatment if you are unable to communicate.
- This can be done by any adult, even while they are healthy, and that's the best thing.
- The main types of this are `Living Will`, `DPA`, `POLST` and `DNR`.
- If this is lost, the law may determine who makes decisions for you, which may not always be in accordance with your wishes.
- When drafting, be mindful of legal matters, seek advice if necessary, sign, have it notarized, and give copies to the relevant parties.
- This only works if you can't make decisions.
- You can change this at any time, and it is important to update it from time to time.
- There is no expiration date for this.
Ultimately, this is your right. You have the right to make decisions about your future health and the treatment you receive. Therefore, thinking about this and taking the necessary steps will be a great relief for you and your loved ones.
If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to your family doctor or a legal advisor.
advance directive, living will, durable power of attorney for healthcare, healthcare proxy, POLST, DNR, medical decisions, end-of-life care, legal document
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