Advanced Directives

Being in control of your destiny

Advance Directives are clear instructions left by an

individual on what treatments they want in case they

are in a life threatening condition.

Advance directives are specifically tailored to an

individuals preferences in regard to medical

treatments and interventions

An Advance Directive states clearly what the patient

wants in terms of their medical condition or to whom

they have given power of attorney, the person who

can also make decisions for them.

Advance directives generally fall into

three categories:

• Living will,

• Power of attorney,

• Health-care proxy.

Living willThis is a written document that specifies what types

of medical treatment are desired should the

individual become incapacitated.

Power of Attorney for Health CareSomeone who is allowed to make decision on your

behalf when you no longer can.

Health-care proxy

This is a legal document which designates another

person to make health-care decisions if he or she is

not in a position to make their wishes or descisions

known.

Taking responsibility for this type of information

is not just about giving yourself more peace of

mind, it also helps those closest to you should

the unforeseen strike and breaks down the

communication barriers between the patient,

doctors and loved ones.

In planning ahead, it’s easier to determine the

medical care you prefer, avoid unnecessary

stress, pain and spare your loved ones and

caregivers the decision making during

moments of crisis.

Speak to your doctor or nurse today.

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