Advance Directives

Advance Directives
Durable Power of Attorney
🧠 Why Advance Directives Matter
-
They ensure your medical care preferences are honored if you're unable to communicate.
-
They help avoid confusion or conflict among family and healthcare providers.
-
They’re essential for all adults, not just older individuals.
📄 Types of Advance Directives
-
Living Will: Specifies treatments you want or don’t want (e.g., CPR, ventilation, tube feeding).
-
Medical Power of Attorney: Appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf.
-
DNR/DNI Orders: Can be added separately to clarify resuscitation and intubation preferences.
💬 Communication Is Key
-
Talk openly with family, doctors, and even clergy.
-
Share your values and what makes life meaningful to you.
-
Keep everyone informed when you update your directives.
🔁 Review and Update
-
Revisit your documents periodically or after major life changes.
-
You can revise or revoke them at any time.