Thinking about your health is something you should do not only when you get sick, but beforehand. Most people do not like to think about what would happen if they were unable to make decisions for themselves, but it is good to prepare in advance.

Preparing a California advanced healthcare directive means proactively thinking about your future and healthcare wishes. Medical care planning is encouraged not only among people of age, but also with young people as well. One of the most important things to know is what should be included in an advance directive.

What is advanced health care planning?

Everybody has different preferences when it comes to the medical care they would like to receive. The only problem arises when people become incapable of making decision on the spot and someone has to make it for them. This is when advanced health care planning comes important.

Advanced directives are legal documents which contain all your wishes when it comes to medical treatment and health care issues. These documents are meant to instruct the persons in charge on how to proceed if you are unable to speak for yourself or are incapacitated. The form is usually intended for your family, your doctor and possibly an attorney.

What are the main types of advance directives?

There are two main types of advance directives, which can be executed by anyone aged 18 or up. They only come into effect if you are unable to speak for yourself and there is a decision to be made regarding your medical treatment.

Durable power of attorney

This is a type of document in which you name a person to serve as your proxy and make decisions for you if you are unable to do so. It can also be called medical or health care power of attorney or health care proxy. You can choose your partner or spouse, a family member, a friend or other person. There can also be several alternatives named in case the first one is unable to fulfill the role.

It is important to take great consideration when choosing a person for this role. Not only should it be someone you trust, but also someone you can talk to about it in advance, knowing they will honor your wishes.

Living will

Living will is intended to tell your family and the doctors what kind of medical treatments you would like to receive. It also includes other health care decisions, such as resuscitation, pain management and organ and tissue donation. Creating it serves to determine whether you would want your life extended at any cost, including using machines to keep you alive. It should touch on the notion of end-of-life care and personal wishes.

Don’t know what should be included in an advance directive? Call us

Thinking about advanced healthcare directive in time is important, and so is doing it properly. The Law Offices of Irina Sherbak provides expert assistance in preparing all the advance care directive forms. We know the importance of the whole process, so call us for a consultation and deciding on how to proceed.