What is an Advanced Health Care Directive and Why Do I Need One?
Advanced health care directives are written instructions that communicate your wishes regarding care and treatment should you no longer be able to make your own health care decisions. Some directives are broken down into two parts – a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA). The exact language and type of document will vary depending upon the laws in your location. Basically a Living Will allows certain treatments to be withheld or withdrawn if using them will only prolong your dying process; or if you are unconscious (and in a vegetative state) and there is no hope for recovery. An example of treatment may include feeding tubes or resuscitation if you heart stops working. If you are unable to make health care decisions, either temporarily or permanently, a HCPOA allows you to appointment someone to make them on your behalf. It is in your best interest to choose someone who understands thoroughly your desires and is willing to honor your requests.
Advanced health care directives are written instructions that communicate your wishes regarding care and treatment should you no longer be able to make your own health care decisions. Some directives are broken down into two parts – a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA). The exact language and type of document will vary depending upon the laws in your location. Basically a Living Will allows certain treatments to be withheld or withdrawn if using them will only prolong your dying process; or if you are unconscious (and in a vegetative state) and there is no hope for recovery. An example of treatment may include feeding tubes or resuscitation if you heart stops working. If you are unable to make health care decisions, either temporarily or permanently, a HCPOA allows you to appointment someone to make them on your behalf. It is in your best interest to choose someone who understands thoroughly your desires and is willing to honor your requests. Should you not designa
