Key takeaways
- An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your healthcare wishes and helps ensure your wishes are followed if you cannot communicate them yourself.
- Having an advance directive can reduce stress for loved ones by providing clear guidance about medical treatment and end-of-life care decisions.
- Adults age 18 and older should consider creating an advance directive, especially those with serious health conditions or a higher risk of medical emergencies.
An advance directive is an important part of advance care planning that helps protect your healthcare wishes if you're unable to make medical decisions for yourself. Whether you're creating a living will, choosing a healthcare power of attorney, or documenting your end-of-life care preferences, having an advance directive can provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Learn what advance directives are, who needs one, how to create one, and why planning ahead can help ensure you get the medical care you want.
Planning for end-of-life care or other emergencies can be uncomfortable, but it's important to make sure your wishes are properly documented and followed if you ever needed to be hospitalized.
According to the National Institute on Aging, people often guess their loved one's end-of-life decisions incorrectly.
Even if you’ve had discussions with your family or friends about what you want, it’s recommended that you put your preferences into a legally binding agreement called an advance directive. You're more likely to get the care you want if you have a plan in place.
What is an advance directive?
An advance directive provides instructions for medical care that go into effect in the event you are unable to communicate your own wishes. Advance directives include any of the following:
- Living will
- Durable power of attorney for healthcare
- Written statements expressing a patient’s wishes regarding treatment and/or end-of-life care
- Patient statements regarding treatment and/or end-of-life care documented in the medical record
It's not required, but you can consult an attorney to help create an advance directive. They can go into more detail and help you set up your desired plan.
Why do I need an advance directive?
An advance directive helps protect you and your loved ones in the event you are unable to make end-of-life decisions. Documenting those decisions gives your loved ones a plan to follow if you are unable to communicate your wishes.
Who needs an advance directive?
It’s recommended that anyone over age 18 have an advance directive. However, it’s especially important for those who are more at-risk for medical emergencies or are at an older age.
If you haven’t set up an advance directive, take the time to determine what care you would like in the event you can’t make or communicate your decisions later.
How to set up an advance directive
- If you haven’t already set up an advance directive, or if you’d like to consider making updates to an existing one, try these steps:
Think through what details are most important to you for end-of-life care. For example, do you want:- Hospice care
- To be pain free
- To spend your last days at home
- Chest compressions if your heart stops
- A breathing tube inserted
- Talk with your doctor about your wishes and how they align with your current health.
- Discuss your thoughts with your loved ones and if necessary, consult an attorney or agent.
- Complete your advance directive form(s).
- Share your completed forms with your loved ones, trusted healthcare providers, and/or lawyer.
Learn more
Rules, guidance, and laws may differ by state. For more information, review the following based on where you live:
- Utah: Utah Commission on Aging (UCOA)
- Idaho: Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
- Colorado: Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
- Nevada: Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
While no one likes thinking about the “worst-case scenario,” making plans now will save you and your family unnecessary stress and struggle in the future. Even if you start small and modify your plans down the road, it’s always a smart choice to be proactive with your future.
FAQs about advance directives
It depends. Certain states require advance directives to be notarized.
Yes, a living will is a type of advance directive. It is a legal document that communicates to medical providers what kind of treatment you want if you can't make your own decisions about your care.¹
No, a DNR and advance directive are not the same thing. A DNR, or do not resuscitate order, is a document that stays in your medical chart. If you do not want lifesaving measures to be taken if your breathing or heartbeat stops, you can talk to your doctor about documenting your wishes as a DNR order.1
A DNR can be a part of your advance directive, but an advance directive involves more instructions and decisions about your care, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.²
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
Sources
1. Advance Care Planning: Advance Directives for Health Care, National Institute on Aging, 2022
2. Caring for Dementia: Advance Care Planning, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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