Many parts of life planning require a discussion of uncomfortable topics. Drafting your advance health care directive is no exception. No one likes to talk about “end of life” preferences. However, having an advance health care directive can ensure that your preferences are carried out when you are unable to make your own health care decisions. An Advance Health Care Directive is a legal document outlining your health care choices.
Having this legal document ensures that your wishes are carried out. You can specify medical treatments you will accept, such as artificial resuscitation. You can outline procedures you object to, whether it is for moral or religious grounds. Having an advance directive saves your family from the burden of making those difficult decisions for you. Even if you have discussed your wishes with a family member, it’s important to remember that emotions are high in a life or death situation. Your family cares about you and will sometimes go against your wishes to preserve your life. An advance health care directive will prevent this from happening. It puts the power back in your hands.
What Should an Advance Health Care Directive Include?
While California state law does require that an advance health care directive include certain provisions, there is no standard form. Ask yourself,
- What is important to me when I am dying?
- Do I want my life preserved at all costs?
- Are there specific treatments I will accept and those I will not?
- Do I want to have my organs donated?
- Do I prefer to be in a nursing home, hospital or at home when my death is imminent?
- Your directive should also name a person responsible for carrying out your wishes.
Lastly, be sure to inform key people of your wishes, including your physician, family and the health care facility to which you are most likely to be transported. Each of these people and facilities should have a copy of your medical directive.
Take advantage of the resources available to you. The California Medical Association provides a vast amount of information about medical directives, including a “frequently asked questions” section. Your hospital or doctor’s office will most likely have information about creating a health care directive as well. Santa Barbara Estate Services is experienced in helping families record their decisions to life’s difficult choices. Let us help with your advance health care directive. Contact us will all your financial and health care management needs.
