Health Care Directive
A Health Care Directive (also known as an Advance Directive) is a critical document that outlines your medical preferences and ensures your wishes are honored if you’re unable to communicate them. It also allows you to name a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
Who will speak for you if you can’t? With a Health Care Directive, you can avoid confusion and ensure your medical care reflects your values and priorities.
What Does a Health Care Directive Do?
A Health Care Directive is a two-part document that:
1. Outlines Your Medical Preferences:
Specifies the types of medical treatment you do or do not want (e.g., life support, feeding tubes, or resuscitation).
Provides guidance on end-of-life care to your loved ones and medical team.
2. Names a Healthcare Agent:
Designates someone you trust to make medical decisions if you’re unable to.
Ensures your preferences are honored, even in unexpected or emergency situations.
Why Is It Helpful?
A Health Care Directive is not just for the elderly or seriously ill—it’s an essential document for anyone who wants to avoid uncertainty and ensure their healthcare aligns with their values.
Key Benefits:
Provides Clarity: Gives your loved ones clear instructions during emotional and difficult times.
Prevents Disputes: Avoids disagreements among family members about your care.
Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored: Guarantees that your medical treatment aligns with your values and beliefs.
Reduces Stress for Loved Ones: Relieves your family from having to guess or make difficult decisions without guidance.
Real-Life Example:
When Anna was hospitalized after a car accident, her family was unsure what kind of care she would have wanted. Without a Health Care Directive, they struggled to agree on treatment decisions. In contrast, her friend Karen had a directive in place, which gave her family the guidance they needed during a difficult time.
Who Is This For?
A Health Care Directive is for everyone—unexpected medical emergencies can happen at any age.
You should consider creating a Health Care Directive if you:
Want your medical treatment to reflect your values and preferences.
Have strong feelings about specific medical procedures, such as resuscitation or life support.
Want to avoid family disputes about your care.
Prefer to name a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
Common Questions
1. Is a Health Care Directive legally binding?
Yes, it is a legally binding document that medical providers must follow in accordance with state law.
2. Can I change my Health Care Directive?
Yes, you can update or revoke your directive at any time as your preferences or circumstances change.
3. Who should I choose as my healthcare agent?
Choose someone you trust to respect your wishes, communicate effectively with medical providers, and make decisions under pressure.
4. Do I need a Health Care Directive if I’m young and healthy?
Yes, medical emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Having a directive in place ensures you’re prepared.
Free Consultation
Take control of your medical care today. A Health Care Directive ensures that your treatment aligns with your values and relieves your loved ones of unnecessary stress during challenging times.
Click below to schedule your free consultation and learn how to create a Health Care Directive tailored to your needs.
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Testimonials
"Creating a Health Care Directive was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Knowing my family won’t have to guess my wishes brings me peace of mind." — Jessica L., Bluffdale, Utah
"Justin made the process of setting up my Health Care Directive so easy. Now I know my loved ones will be protected and my preferences will be honored." — Brian T., Sandy, Utah