Documents

Advanced Directives

In this section, I will cover the advanced directives I focused on during my mom's care.   Advanced directives are legal documents that allow individuals to specify their healthcare preferences in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves. There are several forms of advanced directives.

First and foremost, some if not all of these documents are legally binding. I am not a lawyer, and it is not my intention to provide legal advice or guidance. The purpose of this section is to share my experience and, hopefully, prompt you to consider whether any of these advanced directives apply to your loved one. 

I strongly encourage you to consult with an attorney for all legal matters.

Important Documents

Living Will
A document that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment if you're unable to communicate or make decisions due to terminal illness or incapacitation. It specifies what types of life-sustaining treatments you do or do not want, such as resuscitation (CPR), mechanical ventilation, or tube feeding.

Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that outlines how a person's assets and affairs will be handled after their death. It specifies the distribution of the estate, appoints guardians for minor children, and names an executor to ensure that the terms of the will are carried out.

Healthcare surrogate
A healthcare surrogate is a person appointed to make medical decisions on behalf of someone who is unable to do so themselves due to illness or incapacity. This surrogate is typically designated in a legal document known as a Healthcare Surrogate Designation or Advance Directive.

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Healthcare Proxy)
This document designates someone (a healthcare proxy or agent) to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you're incapacitated. The chosen person acts in your best interest according to your wishes and values.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
A medical order that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if your heart stops or if you stop breathing.

Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order
Similar to a DNR order, a DNI specifies that you do not wish to be placed on a ventilator or have a tube inserted into your airway to assist with breathing.