End-of-life and medical directives are never easy for any of us to talk about with our parents. Maybe you have delayed having the conversation about this important subject because they still are healthy, and you think it is too early to bring it up. Perhaps you are uncomfortable approaching the subject and waiting for them to start the conversation. Whatever the reason, realize that Advance Care Directives are for your parents' protection and can prevent you from having to make tough decisions when necessary.
Your parents may have been thorough about estate planning and deciding how their assets will be distributed upon death. They may have designated you with a power of attorney if they become incapacitated. But do you know their medical wishes, such as being put on a ventilator or donating an organ? This is where an Advance Care Directive becomes important.
What Is an Advance Care Directive?
An Advance Care Directive is a legally binding document that gives healthcare instructions if a person is incapacitated and unable to speak or make decisions. This document enables your parent to make decisions about their healthcare before a catastrophic injury or terminal illness. Sometimes known as a "living will," an advance care directive is somewhat complex and requires witnesses other than those designated to have medical power of attorney.
The first part of the directive is called a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. Your parents can name the person or persons that they trust to make medical decisions on their behalf.
The second part of the advance care directive is where your parent will specify the types of treatments they want or do not want to prolong their life. These can include things like:
- If they want to have CPR administered if their heart stops beating
- If they want to be placed on a ventilator when they can no longer breathe for themselves
- If they wish to be given artificial hydration and nourishment
- If they want comfort care, such as spiritual counseling, pain medication, and breathing assistance
What Happens if Your Parent Does Not Have an Advance Care Directive?
In Indiana, if there is no Advance Care Directive, the decision-making falls to the person on the following priority list:
- Spouse
- Adult child/children
- Parent
- Adult sibling
- Grandparent
- Adult grandchild
- Next of kin, if none of the above is available
- Close friend
If the decision falls to more than one person, such as more than one child, they will be asked to reach a consensus. This could be problematic if the parties responsible for making the decisions cannot agree. An Advance Care Directive will take the burden of making those decisions from them.
Indiana Advance Care Directives
You can ask your attorney to draw up an Advance Care Directive for your parents or download a form online and prepare it yourself. Just be aware of all the requirements for witnesses in each section. Indiana does not require the form to be notarized but requires witnesses other than the Health Care Representative.
Advance Care Directives are not set in stone. Review with your parent periodically, and if they change their mind about their wishes, they can revoke the directive and issue a new one with new witnesses and dates. If the health care representative can no longer represent your parent, they can change them at this time.
Advance Care Directives should be prepared carefully and with a significant amount of thought. It is a good idea for your parent to speak with their doctor or other health care providers. They should give their healthcare representative and doctor copies of the directive, and if they go into the hospital, they should provide a copy for their files.
Senior Helpers Indianapolis Provides Care for Your Loved Ones
In Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as the surrounding areas of Carmel and Brownsburg, Senior Helpers offers peace of mind so that you know your senior loved ones are being well taken care of. If your parents need companionship or a little extra care with daily living, we can help. We provide various services so that you can rest assured that your loved one can remain at home safely and comfortably. Contact us today for more information.