The Advance Health Care Directive: Make Decisions While You Can!

Have you ever wondered why most people avoid thinking or talking about death? We avoid these "unthinkable" events and circumstances because we are uncomfortable, or we don't know how to approach these topics with our loved ones. Perhaps we are still "too" young and death seems light years away.

Regardless of the reason, we must face reality that death, at any age, is an inevitable fact of life.

What we don't always know in advance is what will be the specific cause of our death or what medical issues and problems may arise as we age. Unfortunately in today's advanced technology age we have become accustomed to caller id and answering machines. We pick and choose those phone calls we will take and when. But that one call we cannot avoid is God's call--when He calls, we must answer! You cannot put God on hold until you have time to sit down and discuss important topics with your family.

Maybe we already know what our wishes are. Most of us make those decisions early on as they lurk in the dark recesses of our subconscious minds. But have they been spoken outwardly?

Human nature dictates that we avoid uncomfortable topics--the "what-to-do-ifs"--until a need arises. By doing so, the burden of making very difficult decisions is placed on your loved ones during very emotional times. Why not reduce the stress, for these all too uncomfortable events, by making your wishes known now?

If you are a single parent, it's likely you have worked hard your entire life, in order to pave a better way of life for your children. And like most parents, chances are that you have neglected how well you have taken care of yourself.

Consider these questions: Do you have life insurance to cover your funeral expenses? If so, have you purchased a plot? Do you want to be cremated and have your ashes spread, and if so, where?

Deciding what to do with the remains of a passing parent or loved one is usually formed from family preference. Collectively, your family may decide on burial in your home town or in a cemetery where other family members are buried. Although death is never easy on a family, the decision of what to do with your remains isn't the toughest decision they could face.

What happens if you become incapacitated at an early age? Will you cared for by your family or will you be better served at a nursing home or convalescent care facility? Maybe you're optimistic and know you will live to see your hundredth birthday, but what will be your quality of life be? Will you keep your mind and lose the use of your body, or will you be physically agile, yet wander aimlessly?

How do we plan for the unknown with so many unanswered questions?

Many deciding factors will need to be based upon your financial state, as well as your physical being, or whether you have a Living Will with property from your estate to be divided amongst relatives.

If none of these factors exist, there is a simple solution to outlining and answering questions about your choices for pre- and post-death health care--the Advance Health Care Directive.

The Advance Health Care Directive combines the features of a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney into one document. You choose an Agent to act on your behalf to make health care decisions for you based on your wishes should you become incapable of making your own, so choose wisely.

Before naming an Agent, it is recommended that you discuss your wishes with this person so they: 1. fully understand the reasoning behind your choices; 2. are in agreement with and willing to uphold these choices and; 3. will follow through with the responsibility.

When you outline your wishes in advance, you make clearer choices based on logic, rather than emotion. This can help ease the uncomfortable decisions your family may face, and it provides them with a tool to follow. Then they are honoring your wishes, as you have made the choices ahead of time as to what to do in a circumstance of medical incapacity. You decide whether or not to prolong your life. You choose how to dispose of your remains. You opt to make anatomical gifts of specific organs and tissues.

Once this form is completed and signed by two witnesses or notarized, it can be filed with your health care provider and copies given to your immediate family and designated agents to use and follow in the event that something happens beyond your control.

It is important to be aware that states may differ widely on the specific types of advance directives which they will officially recognize. It is wise to consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the statues, as well as any additional documents that might be legally required.

Although we don't have a crystal ball into the window of the future, we can begin by taking control of some important decisions which need to be made. By lessening the burden on our loved ones by answering those, all too haunting, questions for them with an Advance Health Care Directive, we can help ease the emotional stress of making decisions in the midst of turmoil, uncertainty, and sadness.