Who Should Have an Advance Directive?
There are advantages to signing an advance directive. If the document is prepared in advance, then one’s family is not put in the position of making decisions about treatment at a very difficult time. The patient knows that his or her instructions will be followed. People who have been diagnosed with a serious illness often have a living will drawn up. This type of document can be prepared when one is in good health, as well. In the event of an accident or a sudden illness, the medical personnel have instructions whether the person wants extraordinary measures taken to preserve his or her life.
