Why Advance Medical Directives Are So Important

As Ben Franklin famously said, nothing in this world is certain except for death and taxes.   And not by coincidence, National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHCDD) falls on April 16th, the day before this year's April 17th tax deadline.   NHCDD was established to encourage people to complete their advance medical directives (AMD), also known as living wills, durable powers of attorney for healthcare, and do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.

Why is it so important that I and my loved ones have an AMD?   Short answer is that if you don’t, our healthcare system is legally obligated to do everything possible to keep you alive even if there is no hope for recovery.   Without an AMD, no matter how painful, distressing or against your wishes that medical care may be, it will be done.  The need for an AMD also reflects the fact that while we all wish to die quickly and pain free, it’s much more likely that an unexpected stroke, cancer, or a serious accident will leave us unable to express our wishes for how we wish to then be treated.

How do I complete an AMD for myself and my loved ones?   Like completing your taxes, it takes some work.   However, you only have to do it once, and then you simply update it when needed.   There are many resources that can help you complete your AMD.   These include information packets available from your healthcare providers as well as many on-line sources.   

Do I need an attorney or anyone else to help me?   No, you can obtain, complete and file the forms on your own, especially if you are only completing an AMD.   Getting assistance from a trained professional can be helpful though under several circumstances.  This includes when you are preparing multiple legal documents at the same time like powers of attorney and last wills and testaments.   And while attorneys are often sought for help, healthcare providers will provide assistance with AMDs, on request, for free, as part of insurance covered medical care.

How do I get started?   Decision-making about end-of-life care is complex, personal and can be stressful.   Start by becoming educated about it — a good website to review is:  https://www.voiceyourchoice.org.   Next, along with learning about AMDs, discuss it with the person or persons you choose to make medical decisions for you if you no longer have the ability to do so.

Some closing thoughts -- Along with helping you to leave this world with dignity and grace, completing your AMD now is the right thing to do for your loved ones.  You don’t want to wait until you suffer a serious illness or unexpectedly end up in the hospital.   Do it now when you can still talk with your loved ones and thoughtfully consider all the options.   Remember, without a written AMD, your partner, or son or daughter, or sister or brother, will be faced with having to make very difficult decisions for you at a time of great stress for everyone.   Your loved ones may also have different perspectives on what should medically be done, creating even more stress.  So do it now, for both you and for your loved ones’ peace of mind. ​

Fred D. Jung, RN, PhD, Founder of Blue Ridge ElderCare Advisors, provides health & safety assessments and care management services for older adults & their loved ones in Central VA & the Shenandoah Valley.  (434) 465-4508; email: breldercare@gmail.com
www.BlueRidgeElderCare.com