Advance directive, what is it? and is it important to have one:
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An advance directive is a legal document that outlines an individual’s preferences and instructions regarding their medical treatment and care in the event that they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. This document allows individuals to specify their wishes for healthcare, designate a healthcare proxy or surrogate decision-maker, and provide guidance on issues such as life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and end-of-life care.
Advance directives can take various forms, including living wills, durable power of attorney for health care, and medical directives. A living will typically details the types of medical interventions and treatments an individual would or would not like to receive in specific situations, while a durable power of attorney for health care designates a trusted person to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to do so.
The importance of having an advance directive lies in ensuring that an individual’s healthcare preferences are known and respected, even if they cannot communicate or make decisions themselves. It helps provide guidance to healthcare providers, family members, and other decision-makers during critical moments when medical decisions need to be made.
Some reasons why having an advance directive is important include:
Autonomy and Personal Choice: Advance directives allow individuals to express their values, beliefs, and preferences for medical treatment, maintaining a sense of control over their healthcare decisions.
Avoiding Family Disputes: Having clear instructions can help prevent potential conflicts among family members about what medical treatments should be pursued or withheld.
Reducing Burden on Loved Ones: It can relieve loved ones from the stress of making difficult decisions without clear guidance from the individual.
Ensuring Quality of Life: Advance directives help ensure that an individual’s wishes regarding end-of-life care are respected, promoting a focus on quality of life.
It’s important to periodically review and update your advance directive to reflect any changes in your preferences or personal circumstances. Additionally, ensure that copies of your advance directive are provided to your healthcare providers, family members, and other relevant individuals, so they can be easily accessed when needed.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 