Health Care Directives

An advanced healthcare directive is a document that specifies what actions a person wants done, if they're unable to make the decision for themselves due to illness or incapacity. This document is sometimes called a "living will".

One advanced healthcare directive is a healthcare proxy, which is a power of attorney. It allows you to appoint an agent to make medical decisions for you if you're unable. The powers given here can be limited if you prefer, or unrestricted.

Choose your agent carefully, and be sure they know your wishes, so the decisions made are in keeping with your thinking. Issues like do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, should be talked about in advance of hospital stays.