Advance Directives

Your Health, Your Decisions

Advance directives are vital documents that outline your healthcare preferences in case you face a serious illness or accident and are unable to communicate your wishes. They ensure your medical care aligns with your values and reduce uncertainty for your loved ones during critical moments.

Why You Need Advance Directives

Advance directives aren't just for the elderly; unexpected events can happen at any age. Having clear instructions about your care preferences helps your family and healthcare providers make informed decisions that respect your wishes.

Types of Advance Directives:

Living Will

A living will is a legal document specifying the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures you would or would not want, such as mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, resuscitation, and organ donation.

Medical Power of Attorney (POA):

A healthcare POA designates a trusted person (healthcare agent or proxy) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot. This document only becomes active when you no longer have the capacity to make those decisions – whether for a temporary situation or for a more permanent time period.  If for a temporary incapacity, once you regain capacity, the document is again not active until your next period of incapacity. It is distinct from a financial POA, which deals with financial matters, and most often is active even when you still have capacity to make your own decisions.

Advance Mental Healthcare Directive:

An Advance Mental Health Care Directive allows an individual to provide preferences and other meaningful instructions for mental health care/treatment. If an individual chooses to have an Advance Mental Health Care Directive, it allows the opportunity to outline instructions for mental health treatment when a person is in crisis or loses capacity to make their own mental health care decisions.

Creating Your Advance Directives

Discuss your medical treatment preferences with your doctor and your chosen healthcare proxy. This conversation will help ensure your directives reflect your values and desired care. After finalizing your advance directives, share copies with your family and healthcare providers to ensure your wishes are known and respected.

Remember: These documents are only effective if your loved ones and medical team are aware of them.

Need Help with Advance Directives?

If you have questions or need assistance creating or updating your advance directives, please contact the WCHS Social Worker at (402) 878-3950. We are here to help guide you through the process and answer any concerns you may have.