Future Planning

Advanced Directives

An Advanced Directive is a legal document to guide the patient’s family and healthcare provider about his/her care wishes if he/she is severely ill and unable to speak for himself/herself. Everyone has the right to make personal decisions about their care and an advanced directive allows you to make known his/her wishes, while the patient is able to. That is the reason that a growing number of people are taking an active role in planning for their care before they become very ill.

First, help the patient to talk with his/her family, friends, and his/her doctor about why he/she would want for future health care needs.

Second, document the healthcare decisions by completing an Advanced Directives.
Once the patient has completed the forms, make sure to have copies to keep in the patient’s home and give to his/her family members.