Most adults haven’t taken the time to think about how their medical care decisions will be made if they can’t make those decisions themselves. All adults should take the time to get plans together that make their wishes known and gives someone the authority to make those decisions if they become incapacitated.
If you haven’t taken the time to make those plans, now is the best time to get it done. You don’t know when something will happen, so it’s not a good idea to wait until later.
How can you make your wishes known?
One of the first things you should do is give someone the legal ability to make decisions on your behalf. This person is known as your health care surrogate. The individual you choose should be able to work closely with your medical care team to ensure that you receive the care you would consent to if you could speak up for yourself. They can’t let their own wishes dictate the decisions they make.
Another step in successfully relaying your wishes is to write out your advance directive. This can include instructions for medical treatments that you know you’re willing to receive and it can prohibit others. Some decisions, such as a wish to not be resuscitated, should be given using a specific form.
Working with someone who knows your wishes and can help you to ensure they’re relayed in a legally enforceable manner can help to reduce your stress as you’re working through this process.