My Medical Wishes: A Casual Guide

What is an Advance Healthcare Directive (AHD)?

An AHD is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that you are unable to make decisions for yourself. This could happen due to a serious illness, injury, or other circumstances.

Why is an AHD important?

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

Avoids confusion: It can help to prevent disagreements among family members about your medical care.

Ensures your wishes are honored: An AHD can help to ensure that your healthcare providers understand and follow your preferences.

What should be included in an AHD?

Your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment: This includes things like CPR, artificial ventilation, and feeding tubes.

Your preferences for pain management: You can specify whether you want aggressive pain relief or a more natural approach.

Your desire for organ donation: If you are interested in donating your organs, you can indicate this in your AHD.

Who should make medical decisions for you: You can name a healthcare proxy or agent to make decisions on your behalf.

Your wishes regarding resuscitation: You can specify whether you want to be resuscitated in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest.

How to create an AHD:

1. Consult with an attorney: An attorney can help you understand the legal implications of an AHD and ensure that your document is legally binding.
2. Consider your values and beliefs: Think about what is important to you and what kind of medical care you would want.
3. Involve your loved ones: Talk to your family and friends about your wishes and involve them in the process.
4. Review and update your AHD: It is important to review your AHD regularly and make any necessary changes.

Conclusion

An Advance Healthcare Directive is a valuable tool that can help to ensure that your wishes regarding medical care are respected. By taking the time to create and update your AHD, you can provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.

FAQs

1. Can I change my AHD at any time? Yes, you can change your AHD at any time. It is important to keep your document up-to-date to reflect any changes in your wishes.
2. Do I need to have an AHD to receive medical care? No, you do not need to have an AHD to receive medical care. However, having an AHD can help to ensure that your wishes are respected.
3. Can my healthcare proxy make decisions about my mental health treatment? The scope of your healthcare proxy’s authority may vary depending on the laws in your state. It is important to consult with an attorney to understand the specific limitations of your healthcare proxy’s authority.
4. What happens if I do not have an AHD and I am unable to make decisions for myself? If you do not have an AHD, your family members may be asked to make decisions about your medical care. However, this can be a difficult and stressful process.
5. Can I name more than one healthcare proxy? Yes, you can name more than one healthcare proxy. However, it is important to specify who should make decisions in the event that your primary healthcare proxy is unable or unwilling to do so.

Advance Healthcare Directive Form