The purpose of an Advance Health Directive is to give you confidence that your wishes regarding healthcare will be carried out if you cannot speak for yourself.
Every competent adult has the legal right to accept or refuse any recommended health care. This is relatively easy when you are well and can speak for yourselves.
Unfortunately, if you have had a severe accident or are suffering from a debilitating illness, you may be unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate your wishes – at the very time when critical decisions need to be made.
What is an Advance Health Directive?
An Advance Health Directive is a document that states your wishes or directions regarding your future health care for various medical conditions. It only comes into effect if you are unable to make your own decisions.
You may wish your directive to apply at any time when you are unable to decide for yourself, or to apply only if you are terminally ill.
What do I need to consider before making an Advance Health Directive?
There are many things to consider when making an Advanced Health Directive. You should think clearly about what you would want your medical treatment to achieve if you become ill. For example, if treatment could prolong your life, what level of quality of life would be acceptable to you?
It is strongly recommended that you discuss an Advance Health Directive with your doctor before completing it.
If you have questions about making an Advance Health Directive, please contact Clifford Gouldson Lawyers