Living wills and other advanced directives are legal documents that outline your wishes for medical treatment in the event that you're not able to make your own decisions. Advance directives can provide direction to medical professionals and caregivers if you are dying or injured severely, in a state of coma, or in the last phases of dementia.

Advance directives aren't just for older adults. Life-threatening situations that are unexpected can occur at any time, which is why it's crucial for everyone to create these documents.

Planning ahead will help you receive the medical treatment you need, avoid unnecessary suffering and help relieve caregivers of decision-making duties in times of sorrow or crises. It also helps to reduce any disagreement or confusion over the choices you would like others to take on your behalf.

The power of attorney

A medical power of attorney, also referred to as a health power of Attorney, is a type or advance directive that permits you to designate someone else to take your decision if you're unable to. This type of directive is also called a durable living will in Halifax Nova Scotia for health care or a proxy for health care in some states.

Depending on where you live the person you decide to take decisions on your behalf could be identified as one of the following:

Health care agent

Health care proxy

Health care surrogate

Health care representative

Health care legal-in-fact

Patient advocate

Choosing a person to act as your health insurance agent is important. It is crucial to select a person to act as your health care provider. The following criteria should be considered when choosing a caregiver:

In accordance with the state requirements for a health-care provider

Do you think you are not your doctor?

Willing and able discuss medical care and end-of-life issues with you

You can trust us to make decisions that align with your desires and values

You can trust them to be your advocate if there are disagreements regarding your care

The person you name may be your spouse, a family member, friend or member of a religious community. If the person you choose isn't able to perform the role, you can select one or more replacements.

Living the life you want

A living will in Dartmouth Nova Scotia Legal document, is written that outlines the medical treatments you would like but don't wish to take to stay healthy. It also clarifies your preference for medical choices like organ donation or pain management.

When you are deciding on your goals take into consideration your personal values. Consider the importance to you to be independent and self-sufficient. Then, consider what circumstances might make you feel like your life isn't worth living. Would you want treatment to prolong your life in any situation? Are you willing to receive treatments in any situation? Do you think that treatment is only needed if a cure is possible?

Preparing advance directives

The advance directives need to be in writing. Each state has its own requirements and forms to make legal documents. In the case of your state the document may need to be signed by a third party or notarized. While it is possible to contact a lawyer for assistance, this is not usually required.

Reviewing and changing advance directives

You can change your directives at any time. It is possible to make changes by preparing the new form and disseminating new copies. Each state may have their own rules regarding the modification of guidelines.

You should discuss the changes with your primary care physician and ensure that a new directive replaces an previous directive on the medical record. You must also add new directives to your medical record in a hospital/nursing home. Speak to your family members friends, relatives, and health care agent about any changes that you've made.

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