An Advance Health Care Directive allows you to appoint a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to communicate or make those decisions yourself. It also allows you to provide instructions concerning your health-care preferences, including treatment, pain management, end-of-life care, organ donation, and other deeply personal medical choices.
An Advance Health Care Directive is important for every adult—not only those who are older or facing a serious illness. An accident, unexpected medical emergency, or sudden incapacity can occur at any age. Without written instructions and a designated agent, family members may be left uncertain about your wishes or may disagree about who should make decisions on your behalf.
Creating an Advance Health Care Directive gives you a voice even when you cannot speak for yourself and provides valuable guidance to your loved ones and medical providers during an otherwise stressful and emotional time.