Preparing Advance Healthcare Directives

Learn how to document your medical preferences and designate a healthcare proxy to ensure your wishes are honored if you become unable to communicate.

1. Understanding the core documents. An advance directive typically consists of two primary components: a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. A living will outlines the specific medical treatments you would or would not want in various end-of-life scenarios, such as the use of artificial nutrition or life-sustaining ventilation. The durable power of attorney for healthcare, sometimes called a healthcare proxy or agent, is a document that designates a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated. It is important to discuss your values and preferences with this person thoroughly so they feel prepared to represent your interests accurately.
2. Initiating the conversation. Many families find that the most challenging part of this process is starting the initial conversation. Some approach this by framing the discussion around personal values rather than medical outcomes, asking questions like 'What does a good day look like to you?' or 'What experiences are most important to your quality of life?' By focusing on these broader goals, you can create a framework that your healthcare proxy can use to make decisions in situations that you may not have explicitly covered in your written documents. It is often helpful to revisit these conversations periodically, as perspectives on medical care can shift over time.