Health Care Directives allow you to put your health care wishes into writing, which lets your loved ones know what your preferences are and who you want to make those decisions in the event that you cannot make them for yourself. A Health Care Directive is a legal document in which you name another person (your “Health Care Agent”) to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so for yourself. This document allows you to have control over what happens to you, even if you are unable to speak for yourself or are unconscious. It lets others know your health care wishes.
A Health Care Directive is a powerful tool to help ensure you are treated with dignity and respect through old age or in the event you become incapacitated. It allows you to choose who you trust to make decisions based on the wishes you have communicated through the document. You are able to designate a variety of different “powers” to that person. It also provides legal protection that what you wish to happen with your health care decisions happens.