What is an Advanced Directive?
An advance directive is a written statement about your wishes for medical care. Advance directives make sure your wishes are carried out if you cannot communicate due to illness or injury. Advance directives should include information that is important to you. They usually include:
- The name of a trusted person (“health care agent”) who has permission to speak for you when you are unable.
- Your preferences for medical and end-of-life medical care, such as:
- The use of ventilators (breathing machines)
- The use of artificial nutrition (tube feeding) and artificial hydration (IV, or intravenous, fluids)
- The use of life support
- A statement about the quality of life you want to have and reflects your values for end-of-life care.
A "healthcare agent" is the person you name to make decisions about your healthcare wishes when you cannot speak for yourself. You can name a family member or someone else as your agent.
It is important to name a healthcare agent because family members may disagree about what you want. Naming a single person lets everyone know that you trust that person to represent your wishes, which can prevent confusion and conflict.
Advance directives are for people of all ages. To begin your advance directive, follow these steps:
- Discuss your wishes with family and friends and decide which person will be your healthcare agent. Confirm they agree to this responsibility.
- Name your person as your healthcare agent.
- Begin thinking about your wishes. Talk to loved ones about your thoughts and desires for your care when you cannot speak for yourself.
- Contact Mr. Wittstadt at 410-525-WILL or
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