What is an advanced medical directive?
A respirator is a device used to sustain breathing for a person who can not breathe on their own. Commonly referred to as life support. This is self explanatory, your decision should be known and legally prepared.
Dialysis refers to a common procedure used to assist those with renal failure (kidney failure). This device pulls the blood from your system and filters it before returning it into your body. It is a mechanical ‘kidney’ that is both tiring and very painful. It does, however, save your live. A person can not live without their kidney functions. Many people may be in poor health with various other ailments when their kidney(s) fail. The extent of their other problems decide for them rather the pain and weakness, not to mention the expense and the time involved, are worth it to make them live a little bit longer. They are concerned with the quality of their lives, as well as the longevity. Although it would be hard to make a decision about something that is, as of yet, not effecting you, it is important to make your wishes known. Your ‘living will’ can be amended and / or changed in the future. Your unspoken thoughts and decisions can never be heard.
Okay, so now you understand what a ‘living will’ is, so, what is a durable power of attorney?
This refers to a written document in which you select someone else to be your representative in the event of your inability to make decisions for yourself, regarding your health care. This means you are, in effect, giving another person the right to create a ‘living will’ on your behalf. When choosing a ‘proxy’ you should think about your decision very carefully. Who do you want making these types of decisions for you? Who do you trust with your life?
There are provisions in most state laws which will allow you to have a document created by a legal expert (attorney) for matters pertaining to living wills. The durable power of attorney is a very serious document, requiring exact terminology and specific instructions. Imagine that you were struck suddenly incapable of making a decision, but, on a temporary basis. Maybe an accident induced coma, that you will recover from in a matter of days. Yet, while you are rendered incapable of a decision, that decision will be given to the person named in your living will (durable power of attorney).
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