Page 53 - Hampton Roads Winter Spring 2017

ASK THE EXPERT 53

By Mayo Clinic Staff
Living wills and other advance directives Depending on where you live, the person you
are written, legal instructions regarding choose to make decisions may be called one
your preferences for medical care if you of the following:
are unable to make decisions for yourself. • Health care agent
Advance directives guide choices for doctors • Health care proxy
and caregivers if you’re terminally ill, seri- • Health care surrogate
ously injured, in a coma, in the late stages of • Health care representative
dementia or near the end of life. • Health care attorney-in-fact
By planning ahead, you can get the medical • Patient advocate
care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering Choosing a person to act as your health care
and relieve caregivers of decision-making agent is important. Even if you have other
burdens during moments of crisis or grief. legal documents regarding your care, not
You also help reduce confusion or disagree- all situations can be anticipated and some
ment about the choices you would want situations will require someone to make a
people to make on your behalf. judgment about your likely care wishes.
Advance directives aren’t just for older You should choose a person who meets the
adults. Unexpected end-of-life situations can following criteria:
happen at any age, so it’s important for all • Meets your state’s requirements for a
adults to prepare these documents. health care agent
• Is not your doctor or a part of your
Power of Attorney medical care team
A medical or health care power of attorney • Is willing and able to discuss medical
is a type of advance directive in which you care and end-of-life issues with you
name a person to make decisions for you • Can be trusted to make decisions that
when you are unable to do so. In some states adhere to your wishes and values
this directive may also be called a durable • Can be trusted to be your advocate if
power of attorney for health care or a health there are disagreements about your
care proxy.
care
The person you name may be a spouse, other
family member, friend or member of a faith Living Will
community. You may also choose one or A living will is a written, legal document that
more alternates in case the person you chose spells out medical treatments you would
is unable to fulfill his or her role. and would not want to be used to keep you
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