Today I wanted to briefly discuss Advance Directives and Living Wills, number four from my post, 5 Tips For The Beginning Caregiver.
What is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive consist of a legal document that helps your family members, medical providers, and others that are involved in your care know what your wishes are regarding your medical care, if for some reason you are unable to express these decisions for yourself.
There are basically two types of Advance Directives:
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health
- Living Wills
The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care allows you to name a person(usually called a proxy) that you trust to make health care decisions on your behalf.
A Living Will consists of written instructions that you have written regarding your health care and what treatment(s) you would or not want if you are unable to communicate your wishes at any time.
Although it can be very difficult to discuss the topic of Advance Directives/Livings Wills I believe it can also be very helpful for the family members who are caring for their ill loved one. While my husband and I were caring for my mother- in- law, it was very helpful to have her Advance Directive in place to assist us and the other members of our family in making decisions regarding her care.
How Do I Get An Advance Directive?
- Find out what the laws of your state are regarding Advance Directives.
- Place your wishes in writing.
- Give your physician a copy.
- Discuss your Advance Directive decisions with your family.
It is never easy to have to make decisions regarding your family member’s health care especially if they are unable to assist you in the process, however having an Advance Directive in place can help you as the caregiver, other family members who may be involved in caring for your loved one, and the medical providers involved in treating your loved one to make the best decision that can be made for your ill family member at the time.
As mentioned in earlier post, the above information is by no means exhaustive on the topic of Advance Directives, however I hope it is a beginning step in this area as you navigate the caregiving journey.
Helping Families Support Our Seniors,
Cynthia Burton
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