Advanced medical directives are an especially important document for an individual and family. This is because the directive has the power to make decisions when a person is no longer able to make them themselves for medical purposes. It can also help a family dealing with a loved one going through a difficult health issue to have important decisions already decided by that person. While most people do not like to dwell on major health-related issues or end-of-life discussions they are an entirely useful thing to ponder. It can be an especially stressful time for close family, friends, and extended family to deal with when a family member has major health issues and is no longer able to make sound medical decisions for themselves. If you would like to learn more about different kinds of advanced medical directives then keep reading.
What is an Advanced Medical Directive
Advanced medical directives have important decisions already made for different scenarios for a person. These scenarios could be from someone who has had a health issue where they are no longer able to adequately communicate with others. For example, if someone is in a coma, then they will need to be able to let doctors know what kind of care they would like to receive. They are unable to do this when in a comatose state which is where the importance of advanced medical directives comes in. Other things, like a stroke, may have also occurred and the stroke sufferer may be unable to let doctors and family know how they would like to be treated.
Different Types of Advanced Medical Directives
Advanced medical directives generally fall into a few different categories. These are:
Living Will – A living will has important information regarding what to do in the event that someone becomes permanently unconscious or is terminally Ill. The document will state what the person wishes to have happen to them if they need to go on life support, need tube feedings, or dialysis, and what to do if prolonging of life is needed.
Health Care Proxy – A healthcare proxy is a person, or agent, that is designated to make critical healthcare-related decisions for someone. The health care proxy document will establish who that person is and any other details that the person would like to include.
Power of Attorney – A power of attorney is another way in that a person can be designated to take care of important medical decisions for someone. When someone reaches a point where it is difficult for them to think for themselves and make important decisions, a power of attorney may be a good option to have drafted.
Guidance & Support
While not everyone opts to go to a professional to have their advanced medical directives drafted some do. A professional, or an advanced medical directives lawyer from a firm like the Law Group of Iowa has experience and knowledge in drafting these documents. Consider reaching out to one for extra guidance and support for these documents.
