Your Advance Directive: Step 3 – Write It Down

Ensure your healthcare decisions are honored with clear, documented instructions. Writing down your wishes through an advance directive, a living will, and a POLST form is crucial. Here's why it is so important:

1. Make Your Wishes Known:

• Advance Directive: This comprehensive document, prepared in advance of a serious illness or injury, allows you to outline your healthcare preferences and appoint a healthcare agent to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make your own.
• Living Will: This is a document for your physician in which you specify the types of medical treatments you want or don't want if you're facing a terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness. It must be signed in the presence of a witness who is not related by blood or marriage and willing to attest that you are in a sound mind.
• POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): A medical order that provides specific instructions for emergency personnel and healthcare providers about your end-of-life care preferences.

2. Ensure Legal Protection:

• According to Georgia law, these documents are legally binding and ensure your healthcare providers and loved ones respect your choices. Properly completed, they protect your right to make decisions about your medical treatment.

3. Prevent Confusion and Conflict:

• Written wishes reduce the risk of misunderstandings among family members and healthcare providers. They provide a clear guide, preventing potential conflicts and ensuring your care aligns with your desires.

4. Provide Peace of Mind:

• For You: Knowing your wishes are documented and will be followed brings significant comfort.
• For Your Loved Ones: It relieves the burden of making tough decisions during emotionally charged times, allowing them to focus on being with you.

5. Easy Access and Implementation:

• Having your wishes in writing ensures they are easily accessible and can be quickly implemented by healthcare professionals, especially in emergencies.

Your healthcare preferences can change over time. That's why reviewing and revising your advance directive regularly is crucial. Here's why you should update your advance directive every decade or after major life events:

1. Decade:

• Every 10 Years: Your healthcare needs and preferences may evolve as you age. Regular reviews ensure your advance directive reflects your current wishes and values.

2. Death of a Loved One:

• Loss Impact: The death of a loved one can significantly impact your perspective on end-of-life care and medical treatment. Revising your advance directive ensures it aligns with your updated views.

3. Diagnosis:

• New Health Conditions: Receiving a new diagnosis can change your treatment preferences. Update your advance directive to reflect your current medical situation and desired care.

4. Divorce:

• Life Changes: Divorce can alter who you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. Revising your advance directive ensures the right person is designated as your healthcare agent.

5. Decline:

• Health Deterioration: As your health declines, your treatment preferences may shift. Regular updates to your advance directive keep your wishes clear and up to date.