Advanced care planning involves several essential documents that help individuals outline their healthcare preferences in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes. These documents serve as legal and medical guides, ensuring that decisions regarding treatment, life-sustaining interventions, and personal values are honored.
A living will is one of the most well-known documents in advanced care planning. It is a written statement that specifies an individual’s preferences regarding medical treatments and interventions. A living will typically covers situations such as whether the person wishes to be placed on life support, receive artificial hydration and nutrition, or undergo resuscitation efforts. By outlining these choices in advance, individuals can ensure their medical care aligns with their values and beliefs.
A healthcare proxy, also known as a durable power of attorney for healthcare, is another crucial document. This allows an individual to appoint someone they trust to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. The chosen proxy should be someone who understands the individual’s values and is willing to advocate for their preferences. Unlike a living will, which provides specific instructions, a healthcare proxy grants someone the flexibility to make decisions based on real-time medical circumstances.
A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is an additional document that some individuals may choose to include in their advanced care plan. A DNR order instructs medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person’s heart stops or they stop breathing. This is typically chosen by individuals with terminal illnesses or those who do not wish to undergo aggressive life-saving measures. A similar document, known as a do-not-intubate (DNI) order, specifies that the individual does not want to be placed on a ventilator.
A physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) form is another document that provides specific medical instructions for seriously ill or elderly individuals. Unlike a living will, which is broader in scope, a POLST form is a medical order that must be followed by healthcare providers. It details preferences regarding resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and other life-sustaining treatments. This document is particularly useful for those in advanced stages of illness who want to ensure their treatment plan is respected in emergency situations.
In addition to medical directives, individuals may also consider financial and legal planning documents. A durable power of attorney allows a designated person to manage financial and legal matters on behalf of the individual if they become incapacitated. This can include paying bills, managing assets, and handling insurance claims. While this is separate from medical decisions, it ensures that financial affairs are properly managed during a health crisis.
Organ donation directives are another aspect of advanced care planning. Individuals can document their wishes regarding organ and tissue donation, specifying whether they want to be a donor and which organs they are willing to donate. This information can be included in a living will or a separate organ donor registry.
Once these documents are completed, they should be reviewed periodically to ensure they reflect any changes in medical condition or personal preferences. Copies should be shared with family members, healthcare providers, and legal representatives to ensure accessibility in case of an emergency.
Advanced care planning is an essential step in ensuring that healthcare decisions are made according to an individual’s values and preferences. By preparing key documents such as a living will, healthcare proxy, DNR order, and financial directives, individuals can gain peace of mind knowing their wishes will be honored. Taking the time to create and update these documents can make all the difference in ensuring that one’s medical care is handled with dignity and respect.