Advance Directives
An Advance Directive for Health Care is used to communicate your healthcare decisions if you become unable to express those wishes directly. Communicating your preferences about end-of-life treatment will save your family the heartache of having to make decisions for you without knowing your wishes. Your family will feel reassured knowing that they are honoring your wishes.
A chaplain is available to answer your questions or to assist you in completing an Advance Directive for healthcare.
This document includes:
- A Living Will
- Health Care Proxy
- Directions about your future medical care, including life support options and organ donation preferences
Forms can be obtained through the Spiritual Care office or by clicking here.
Common Questions Regarding Advance Directives
What is the purpose of an advance directive?
An advance directive allows you to document your healthcare preferences before you become unable to communicate them yourself. It can help healthcare providers and loved ones understand your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care.
When should I create an advance directive?
You can create an advance directive at any time, and it is generally helpful to complete one before a serious illness, injury, or medical emergency occurs. Having your preferences documented in advance can make it easier for others to follow your wishes if you cannot communicate.
Who can make healthcare decisions for me if I cannot communicate?
A healthcare proxy or other designated decision-maker may be able to make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. Choosing someone you trust and discussing your preferences with that person can help ensure they understand your wishes.
What is a living will?
A living will is a type of advance directive that communicates your preferences about certain medical treatments and end-of-life care if you become unable to make your own healthcare decisions. It can provide guidance to your loved ones and healthcare providers about the care you would want.
What is a healthcare proxy?
A healthcare proxy is a person you designate to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. Selecting someone who understands your values and is willing to advocate for your wishes can be an important part of advance care planning.
Can an advance directive address life support?
Yes. An advance directive can include directions concerning future medical care, including preferences related to life-support measures. Clearly documenting your wishes can help your loved ones and healthcare providers understand the care you would want.
Can I include organ donation preferences in my advance directive?
Organ donation preferences can be included as part of an advance directive. If you have specific wishes about organ or tissue donation, documenting them and discussing them with your loved ones can help communicate those preferences.
Can I change my advance directive later?
Advance care preferences can change as your circumstances, health, or personal wishes change. If you revise your advance directive, it is important to follow applicable requirements and make sure the people involved in your care have access to the most current version.
Should my family know what is in my advance directive?
Discussing your wishes with family members or other trusted people can help prevent confusion if they ever need to participate in healthcare decisions for you. Sharing a copy of your completed directive with your designated healthcare decision-maker can also help ensure your preferences are available when needed.
Where can I get help completing an advance directive?
Norman Regional Health System states that a chaplain is available to answer questions or assist with completing an advance directive for healthcare. Forms are also available through the Spiritual Care office or through the form provided on the hospital's advance directives page.
