5 Ways an Advance Directive Is a Gift to You and Your Family

With over 35 years as a dedicated physician, I've witnessed the gift given to loved ones left behind when an advance directive is completed and available for healthcare professionals to follow in the final stages of life. I've also seen the wake of devastation left behind by people who do not have an advance directive completed before a crisis ensues in the final days, weeks, and even months of someone’s life.

An advance directive, also known as a living will, is a legal document that includes detailed instructions for how a person wants to be cared for in the final stages of life. Did you know that your loved ones often get it wrong in terms of what level of care you want at the end-of-life? A recent study showed that people guessed one out of three end-of-life decisions incorrectly for their loved ones. Don’t let that happen to you.

End-of-life planning empowers individuals to maintain control over their final journey, ensuring any decisions made reflect their values and priorities. It facilitates clear communication with healthcare providers, family members, and loved ones, making sure wishes are understood and respected.

How to Complete an Advance Directive

Approved professionals such as death doulas, nurses, chaplains, case workers, and medical doctors, referred to as "Guides," can lead you through the end-of-life planning process and complete the legal documentation. Guides can provide end-of-life planning services to anyone across the United States, both remotely and in person. All adults 18 years and older are encouraged to establish an end-of-life plan and complete one advance directive. This planning process ensures your healthcare wishes are clear and designates a healthcare agent in case of a serious accident or terminal illness.

Completing an advance directive generates a comprehensive and personalized document that is legally binding. It should be HIPAA-compliant. Guides can capture, certify, and uphold healthcare directives and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms. Beyond standard advance directives, it also enables clients to document specific wishes, including your preferences around Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD). Once the advance directive is complete, you will share it to ensure that your care preferences are communicated and honored in the event you can’t express your wishes yourself.

5 Benefits of an Advance Directive

With an advance directive, you are supported by Guides to document your end-of-life preferences, ensuring your medical team and health care agents are informed. The advance directive also helps communicate your decisions with loved ones, reducing family conflicts by aligning everyone with your wishes. Below are some other advantages to having an advance directive.

1. Reduces Burden: Completing an advance directive reduces the burden for you and family members who are making complex decisions during an emotional time. Trying to make decisions about your care when you are unprepared and facing a crisis is not ideal and can lead to suboptimal care.

2. Peace of Mind: Having conversations about your end-of-life journey sooner rather than later gives you time before a crisis hits to discover how you want to be cared for. Writing down your wishes and sharing them with your loved ones and medical professionals gives you peace of mind that when the time comes to execute your wishes, everyone will be equipped to do so.

3. Legally Binding Instructions: An advance directive is a legally binding document that ensures your wishes are followed throughout your care at the end of life. It removes doubt and answers important questions that are specific to you and your care.

4. Avoid Unwanted Medical Care: An advance directive clearly outlines your healthcare preferences, ensuring that doctors and medical staff follow your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, pain management, and other crucial decisions if you are unable to communicate. This prevents you from enduring unnecessary and unwanted medical care when you are unable to communicate your preferences.

5. Less Guilt and Depression: Your loved ones can grieve more easily and feel less guilt and depression through the grieving process if they know that your wishes were followed. Completing an advance directive is the most effective way to ensure this happens.

Sharing how you see your end-of-life journey unfolding is a gift to both you and your loved ones. It will give you back precious time to spend with your loved ones at the end instead of worrying about making important decisions during such an emotional time.