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Advance care planning is a process that helps individuals of any age or health status understand and communicate their personal values, goals and preferences regarding future medical care. It ensures that healthcare decisions align with an individual’s wishes in the event they are unable to make decisions for themselves.
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Advance directives are instructions about the type of medical treatment you would want if you are unable to speak for yourself. This includes designating a health care representative to make decisions on your behalf and specifying the treatments you would or would not want to receive.
A health care representative is the person you choose to receive healthcare information and make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. They are typically someone you trust to follow your preferences and ensure your wishes are respected.
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A living will is a written document that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment if you become terminally ill and unable to speak for yourself. It typically covers treatments like CPR, artificial nutrition and the use of life-sustaining measures such as a respirator, blood transfusionsor antibiotics. A living will is a type of advance directive.
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An out-of-hospital DNR declaration allows an individual to state that they do not want CPR if their heart or lungs stop working outside of a hospital setting.
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A POST is a medical order for individuals with advanced, progressive or terminal illnesses who are nearing the end of life. It outlines specific treatment preferences, including whether or not life-sustaining measures such as CPR should be used. POST forms are typically created in consultation with a physician and reflect the person’s wishes for end-of-life care.
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Artificial hydration and nutrition involve the use of nutrients and fluids through a tube placed in the digestive tract or directly into a vein. This method may supplement or replace regular eating and drinking, often used when a person is unable to consume food or fluids by mouth due to medical conditions.
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CPR is a series of medical procedures used to restart the heart and breathing in someone whose heart has stopped. These procedures may include chest compressions, inserting an airway, artificial ventilation, drugs to stimulate the heart and defibrillation (electric shock) to restart the heart.
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It’s a good idea to start advance care planning and create an advance directive as soon as possible, regardless of your current health status. While it becomes particularly important for those with serious illnesses, any adult can benefit from having these documents in place to ensure that their medical wishes are known and respected in case of an emergency or incapacity.
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Yes, you can change or update your advance directives at any time. It’s a good idea to revisit your advance directives periodically to ensure they still reflect your current wishes. Consider reviewing them after significant life changes, such as:
Yes, advance directives and living wills are legally binding documents that guide your healthcare providers and family about your treatment preferences when you are unable to communicate them. However, it’s important to ensure that your healthcare representative and healthcare providers are aware of and have a copy of the document.
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No, you do not need an attorney to create an advance directive. You can write and sign your directives on your own.
Answer: Not necessarily. While some states may have specific requirements regarding witnessing and signatures, most states allow you to create valid advance directives without using their official forms. What matters most is that you follow the legal procedures and are of sound mind when completing them.
Answer: No, having advance directives doesn’t mean you refuse all treatments. It simply outlines the types of care you do or don’t want in specific situations. Even if you don’t want curative treatments, you may still wish to receive care for pain relief and comfort. Your advance directives can specify your preferences in these areas.
Answer:Honoring Choices® Indiana – North Central has resources available including advance directive forms and trained facilitators who can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Honoring Choices® Indiana – North Central serves counties in North Central Indiana by providing education, tools and resources to assist people with advance care planning.
