After living a long, full life, an older family member who has an illness decides to take the next step in their plans. It is not easy talking with family about healthcare protocol or end-of-life care, but it is something that deserves attention sooner rather than later.
What are advance directives?
An advance directive is a legal document that outlines the medical care when the author cannot communicate their wishes. This document can include instructions on life-sustaining treatments, pain management, and other end-of-life instructions and is crucial to ensure that your healthcare decisions are respected. It also alleviates the problematic burden of loved ones during difficult times. There are two main types of advance directives:
- A living will specifies the life-sustaining measures that a patient wants or does not want when the time comes. These typically involve using tools such as an artificial ventilator or the process of resuscitation or tube feeding. These measures only take effect when doctors see incapacitation, and you are unable to decide for yourself.
- A healthcare proxy gives you the power to assign someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. If a patient suffers from a long-term illness, they may designate a legal representative as a proxy to work closely with their doctor, who is familiar with the patient’s values and wishes and will respect their decisions regarding medical care.
The main difference between these two involves the activation period. Living wills only come into effect when the patient is unable to make decisions; meanwhile, a healthcare proxy can either step in when the patient is incapacitated or upon agreement.
How to implement advance directives?
Advance directives can vary by state, and it is recommended that an attorney file them and follow the specific legal requirements. In Texas, it is important to have advance directives in place that include both a Living Will and a Healthcare Proxy form. This will remove the stress of handling healthcare decisions that a family will have difficulty making.
