My Wishes For My Care

Advance Care Directive (ACD) is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in case you are unable to communicate them yourself. This could happen due to illness, injury, or other circumstances.

What does an ACD cover?

Medical treatment: You can specify whether you want life-sustaining treatments like CPR, intubation, or feeding tubes.

Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order: You can indicate if you do not want CPR to be performed on you.

Organ donation: You can state your wishes regarding organ donation.

Healthcare proxy: You can appoint a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Who should have an ACD?
Everyone, regardless of age or health status, should consider having an ACD. It’s a proactive step in ensuring your wishes are respected in case of a medical emergency.

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How to create an ACD?
1. Consult with a healthcare provider: Discuss your wishes with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
2. Choose a healthcare proxy: Select a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf.
3. Complete the form: Fill out the ACD form, ensuring it accurately reflects your desires.
4. Review and sign: Review the completed form carefully and sign it in the presence of witnesses.
5. Update regularly: As your circumstances or preferences change, update your ACD accordingly.

Conclusion
An Advance Care Directive is a valuable tool for expressing your wishes regarding medical treatment. By having this document in place, you can provide peace of mind to yourself and your loved ones, knowing that your desires will be respected in case of a medical emergency.

FAQs

1. Can I change my ACD at any time? Yes, you can update your ACD as often as needed to reflect your current wishes.
2. What if I don’t have an ACD? Without an ACD, family members or doctors may have to make difficult decisions about your medical care based on what they believe is in your best interest.
3. Can I appoint more than one healthcare proxy? Yes, you can designate multiple healthcare proxies to share decision-making responsibilities.
4. Does an ACD guarantee that my wishes will be followed? While an ACD can provide guidance, there may be situations where healthcare providers need to make decisions based on your medical condition and available resources.
5. Can I create an ACD online? Some states offer online options for creating ACDs, but it’s generally recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or attorney to ensure the document is legally valid and accurately reflects your wishes.

Advance Care Directive Form