Understanding Advanced Directives: Why They Matter
When it comes to healthcare, we often think we have all the time in the world to make decisions about our future. But what happens if we are suddenly unable to voice our wishes? This is where advanced directives come into play. If you’ve never heard of them, or you’re not sure what they entail, don’t worry. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Are Advanced Directives?
Advanced directives are legal documents that allow you to express your preferences about medical treatment if you cannot communicate those wishes yourself. They are like a roadmap for your healthcare, helping you navigate some of life’s toughest decisions. Think of it to make your voice heard — even when you cannot speak.
There are a couple of main types of advanced directives:
- Living Will: This document outlines your wishes concerning medical treatments — like whether you want life-sustaining measures if you’re terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state. This document is not legally binding, but it directs your team about your wishes.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This one is slightly different. It allows you to appoint someone you trust (your agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so. This person can advocate for your wishes and ensure your preferences are honored. This is a legally binding document.
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: If you do not want CPR or other life-saving measures used in case of cardiac arrest, a DNR order clearly communicates that wish to medical personnel. In Illinois, this is often called a POLST (Physicians Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) in the home or facility setting.
Why Should You Care About Advanced Directives?
You might be thinking, “I’m young and healthy. Why should I worry about this?” Life is unpredictable, and having an advanced directive can provide peace of mind — not just for you, but for your loved ones too.
You might also be thinking, “I don’t want to scare my spouse or my children with these conversations.” Please believe us when we tell you that this is one of the greatest gifts you can give them: a calm, open, and reasonable discussion before a crisis happens. When the crisis happens, your spouse or children have so many other things to deal with, including their sadness and fear. It is such a comfort to know they understand your wishes.
You get to decide what medical treatment you do or do not want. It’s your body, your life, and your choices.
What Happens Without an Advanced Directive in Illinois?
In Illinois, if you become incapacitated and can’t communicate your wishes, decisions about your care will fall to a hierarchy of individuals:
- Your Spouse: Your spouse usually has the first say in your medical decisions if you’re married.
- Adult Children: If you don’t have a spouse, your adult children will step in next in order of their birth.
- Parents: If you don’t have a spouse or children, your parents will be consulted.
- Adult Siblings: If your parents are unavailable, your adult siblings will have a say.
- Finally, if no one else is available, other relatives may be consulted.
While this may seem straightforward, it can lead to complications. Family members might disagree on what you would have wanted, which can create stress and conflict during a vulnerable time. In some cases, the matter might even end up in court, where a judge will make the final decision — not the outcome you would have preferred.
How to Create Your Advanced Directive
Ready to take control? Here is a simple step-by-step guide to creating your advanced directive:
- Think It Through: Reflect on your values and what is important to you regarding healthcare. What treatments would you want or not want?
- Choose Your Agent: If you’re creating a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, think about who you trust to make decisions on your behalf. This should be someone who knows you well and can advocate for your wishes. Choose someone who can stand up to pressure from the family and communicate well with your health care team if possible.
- Get the Right Forms: You can find advanced directive forms online or through your healthcare provider. Make sure you get the Illinois-specific forms to ensure they’re valid in your state. For more information and links to resources, please visit our website at https://lightways.org/advanced-directives/.
- Fill It Out: Be clear and specific about your wishes. Don’t hesitate to think things through carefully; this document is about you and your preferences.
- Talk About It: Share your advanced directive with your chosen agent, family members, and your healthcare provider. Open communication is key!
- Keep Copies Handy: Store copies of your advanced directive safely and give copies to your healthcare provider (physicians, consultants, home health, hospice, and facilities) and family members.
Creating an advanced directive is a powerful way to take charge of your healthcare decisions and ensure your wishes are respected, no matter what happens. It is a gift to yourself and your loved ones — a way to navigate the unpredictable waters of life with confidence. So, why not take the time to create one? You will be glad you did.
Advanced Directive Information
If you have additional questions, please contact Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care at 815.740.4104.
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Contact Lightways
For more information on Advanced Directives, please contact us directly at 815.740.4104.