In today’s society it is very important when someone becomes ill or if something tragic happens to have an advanced directive for healthcare prepared to help their family make an ultimate decision regarding their life and health. “Advanced directives limit the type and amount of medical care and treatment that patients will receive if they should become incompetent and have a poor prognosis.” (Fremgen 313) With having an advanced directive it helps communicates a person’s wishes about making decisions if they become incapable of making their own health care decisions; which also makes it easier for family members to have everything planned out. Many make a decision and only tell their family what they want without having it in writing, but its best to have everything in writing for a smoother process. There are two important types of advance directives; a power of attorney or a living will.
A durable power of attorney for healthcare “is a legal document that empowers another person (proxy) to make healthcare decisions for an incompetent patient. It goes into effect after the person becomes incompetent and only pertains to healthcare decisions”. (Fremgen 102) The power of attorney becomes effective when someone becomes incapable of making their own health care decisions. Medical power of attorneys covers a great amount of healthcare decisions based on the patient wishes. The power of attorney is capable of reviewing the patients’ medical records, discussing and questions to the doctor and medical staff about the care and treatment plans. It is up to the power of attorney to decide on which treatment plan or care is best for the patient or assists the patient in deciding what is best with the options given.
When choosing a medical power of attorney it is important that the person chosen will act and carry out wishes. If someone who wish to avoid any aggressive treatment should select someone that will not use all possible medical acts to prolong life or someone who’s in an emotional state; this will make things more difficult for the patient and the physician as well. It’s important if a patient wants someone outside of their family to control any decision making with their health. “The power of attorney should have the ability to talk effectively with health care provider and act as a strong mediator and advocate when faced with making life decisions”. (“Advanced Directives,” 2012) Some facts to consider when filling for a durable power of attorney for health care the individual must be at least 18 years old or older. The patient must be mentally stable when completing the document and must decide when the document will take effect.
If someone decides not to have a medical power of attorney they can also have a living will. “A living will expresses in advance a person’s instructions or preference about future medical treatments; particularly end of life care in the event the person loses capacity to make health care decisions”. (“Advanced Directives,” 2012) Living wills are legal documents address what type of treatment and care someone wants in case a life or death situation occurs. The will is guidance and instructions about treatment options such as getting CPR, feeding tubes, life support and etc. For example a patient may request life sustaining treatment such as CPR if the heart or breathing stopped and in other cases the patient may decide against CPR. Also someone may decide to sign the papers for do not resuscitate (DNR) and place this information in their will as well. DNR means that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) cannot be used if the persons heart and breathing stops. “This living will document gives patients the legal right to direct the type of care to receive when death is imminent”. (Fremgen 102)
In the living someone may decide to have all treatment options to help prolong life as long as possible. This choice is made if someone feels they do not want to give up on life right away and if there is a possible chance of survival regardless of their medical condition. The