An advanced directive is a legal paper that lets you say what medical care you want if you can’t speak for yourself later. In your advance directive, you can choose whether you want life-support, resuscitation, tube feeding, or certain treatments if you are seriously ill or unconscious. Life-support includes machines or treatments that keep you alive if your body cannot do so on its own—like a ventilator to help you breathe or dialysis to clean your blood. Resuscitation generally means efforts to restart your heart or breathing if they stop, such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or using electric shocks (defibrillation). It helps make sure your wishes are followed when you can’t communicate them.
An advanced directive often works alongside an MPOA. It is important because it protects your choices and your dignity. In stressful situations, loved ones may disagree or feel unsure about what to do. An advanced directive removes the burden by giving clear instructions straight from you. It helps avoid conflict, prevents unwanted treatments, and make sure your care matches your values, even when you may not be able to vocalize them yourself. Ascension Hospice team members can help you and your family understand the differences of these important documents.
Advanced Directive (Living Will) Form
Steps to successfully complete this document:
- Obtain the correct form through state resources or AARP website. You can also find a copy of it here.
- Read through the form slowly and completely, ensuring you understand what kinds of medical decisions it covers, such as life support, resuscitation, and feeding tubes.
- Decide what YOU want and do not want. Think about what really matters to you if you were to be seriously injured, unconscious, or ill. There are no “right” answers on this, only what feels right to you. Be as clear as possible so doctors and loved ones do not have to guess.
- Fill out the form completely and clearly, ensuring not to skip required sections while avoiding vague answers.
- Sign the document in front of a witness or have it notarized.
- Keep the original copy safe and accessible. Make copies and distribute them to your healthcare providers, and family members if necessary.
A legal will is a written document that outlines how a person’s assets, property, and personal items should be distributed after their death. It can also specify guardianship for minor children and name an executor to manage the estate.
A trust, on the other hand, is a legal arrangement in which one party (the trustee) holds and manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries, often providing more control over how and when assets are distributed. Trusts can take effect during a person’s lifetime or after their death, depending on the type.
When creating a will or trust, you should include a clear identification of all assets, a list of beneficiaries, instructions for distribution, designation of guardians for dependents, and appointment of an executor or trustee. Considerations include understanding state laws, reviewing tax implications, updating documents as life circumstances change, and ensuring the documents are properly signed and witnessed to be legally valid. Consulting with an estate planning attorney can help address specific concerns and ensure your wishes are accurately reflected and enforceable.