Dying Wishes: Exploring End-Of-Life Decisions Through Advance Directive Planning
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Dying Wishes: Exploring End-Of-Life Decisions Through Advance Directive Planning

Everyone hopes to live long and healthy lives, but the reality is that one day everyone will still face death. And one way to have more peace of mind as people grow older is by making end-of-life decisions. One option under this is advance directive planning. 

With this plan in place, seniors can make their wishes clear and ensure that their families will honor those wishes when they’re faced with difficult healthcare decisions about their loved ones. Learn more about some of the benefits of creating an advanced directive and how seniors can create one. 

What is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a written legal document. And it contains an individual's wishes regarding end-of-life health care if they cannot decide for themselves. There are two types of advance directives: a durable power of attorney and a living will. 

A durable power of attorney names someone, often referred to as a health care agent or surrogate, who makes medical decisions on behalf of the patient when they can't do it themselves. The patient can choose any trusted person for this role, including family, friends, doctors, or nurses. 

On the other hand, a living will outline the type and amount of medical treatment the senior wants in certain situations, such as in the case of terminal illness and long-term disability. It specifies what kind of treatments they want to receive if doctors can do nothing to improve their condition. The terms might include refusing resuscitation attempts or not using life support machines like respirators or feeding tubes. 

What Are the Benefits of Advance Directive Planning?

The primary benefit of advance directive planning is peace of mind. With this decision already made, seniors know that their family members and doctors will follow their wishes if they can't make decisions for themselves. Additionally, having the plan in place helps to avoid conflict between family members who may disagree about how their loved one should receive end-of-life care. Knowing what the individual wanted removes some of the pressure and guilt associated with these problematic situations. Finally, advanced directives ensure that life support measures follow a senior's wishes. 

How Can a Senior Create an Advance Directive?

Creating an advance directive is not difficult but it involves several steps: 

  • First, the senior should choose their healthcare agent who will make decisions for them if needed. It’s important that they pick someone who understands and respects what they want.  
  • Then, they need to choose a durable power of attorney, which outlines how far this person can go when making decisions on their behalf and any restrictions they need to follow. 
  • Next comes creating a living will that details their medical treatment wishes in specific scenarios like terminal illness or other disabilities. 
  • After the documents are written and all parties consent, sign and notarize them. They are legally binding documents that family members and doctors will need to follow. 

Prepare Now for Difficult Decisions Later On

Making end-of-life decisions can be difficult, but preparing ahead of time via an advance directive takes the pressure off families and ensures a senior's wishes are followed. 

If you are caring for a senior and facing a difficult end-of-life discussion, Senior Helpers Baltimore is here to support you. We can provide in-home care for your senior loved one while you work through these challenging discussions, taking the pressure of caregiving off your plate. Our services are available in Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia, Baltimore County, and Howard County, Maryland. Contact us today for a free in-home evaluation to learn more about our senior support services.