My Future Healthcare Wishes

What is an Advance Health Care Directive?

An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding your medical care in the event that you are unable to communicate them yourself. This could happen due to a serious illness, injury, or other circumstance.

Why is an AHCD important?

Peace of mind: Knowing that your wishes will be respected can provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind.

Avoid confusion: An AHCD can help prevent confusion and disagreements among family members about your medical care.

Autonomy: It allows you to maintain control over your medical decisions, even if you are unable to express them directly.

What should be included in an AHCD?

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Your AHCD should clearly state your wishes regarding:

Life-sustaining treatment: Whether or not you want to be kept alive by artificial means, such as a ventilator or feeding tube.

Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order: If you do not want to be resuscitated in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Organ donation: Whether or not you want to donate your organs after death.

Healthcare proxy: The name of a trusted person who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

How to create an AHCD?

1. Research: Learn about the laws and regulations regarding AHCDs in your state.
2. Consult a legal professional: A lawyer can help you create a legally binding document that accurately reflects your wishes.
3. Review and update: Review your AHCD regularly and update it as needed to reflect any changes in your preferences or circumstances.

Conclusion

An Advance Health Care Directive is a valuable tool for ensuring that your wishes regarding your medical care are respected. By taking the time to create and update this document, you can provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.

FAQs

1. Can I change my AHCD at any time? Yes, you can change your AHCD at any time. It is important to review and update it regularly to reflect any changes in your preferences or circumstances.
2. Do I need a lawyer to create an AHCD? While it is not strictly necessary to have a lawyer, consulting with a legal professional can help ensure that your document is legally sound and accurately reflects your wishes.
3. Can my family members override my AHCD? Generally, your family members cannot override your AHCD. However, if there is a disagreement about the interpretation of your wishes, a court may need to intervene.
4. What happens if I do not have an AHCD? If you do not have an AHCD, your family members will likely be responsible for making medical decisions on your behalf. This can be a stressful and difficult process.
5. Can I create an AHCD online? Some states offer online tools for creating AHCDs. However, it is important to consult with a legal professional to ensure that your document is legally binding.

Advance Health Care Directive Form