Your Background on Advance Directive
In most cases, advances in modern medical technology are
considered to be beneficial to society. However, these procedures are often
utilized to prolong the lives of terminally ill and individuals and patients in
a comatose or vegetative state. As such, advances in health care technology
have caused many people to seek advance directives in order to ensure that
their wishes regarding health care treatment and procedures are upheld. If an
individual does not possess an advance directive, it is likely that he/she will
be subjected to resuscitation and life support techniques in the event that
he/she experiences cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or any other form of
life-threatening complication. These techniques and procedures are often
painful and expensive. They generally only succeed in prolonging life for a
short time, not curing illness or comforting a patient. Tens of thousands of
patients are kept alive in a vegetative state, with very little or no chance of
recovery. This increases the emotional and financial burden faced by family
members. Indeed, it may be very difficult for an individual’s family to
determine the proper course of action, and this may cause them to experience
guilt and remorse, especially when they are forced to make a decision regarding
the discontinuation of life support.
It is therefore important for an individual to make
his/her beliefs on these matters known. This can be accomplished through advance
directives. Advance directives are legal documents representing the wishes of
an individual in regard to medical treatment and procedures. If an individual
becomes comatose or otherwise unresponsive due to terminal illness or
deterioration, an advance directive will inform family and medical professionals
of his/her wishes. Advance directives have various different uses. For example,
an advance directive may indicate whether or not an individual wishes to be resuscitated in the event of respiratory or cardiac
failure. These documents may also display his/her feelings about life support
techniques, including the use feeding tubes, catheters, and pacemakers. If an
individual does not wish to be kept on life support, this too can be stated in
a living will. An advance directive will also provide an
individual with the ability to appoint a health care proxy and a durable power of attorney. These authorities will be given the power to
make decisions regarding an individual’s health care in the event that he/she
is unable to speak for himself/herself.
Establishing advance directives is the best method of ensuring that family
members and medical authorities are aware of one’s wishes regarding medical
treatment. It is important for an individual to review his/her state laws
regarding the use of an advance directive, as the governing rules and
regulations vary a great deal by state. It is also important to understand that
these are legally binding contracts. In most cases, the conditions that are
outlined in an advance directive must be adhered to. Therefore, it is
essential for an individual to thoroughly and completely consider everything
included in these documents. If an individual fails to establish advance
directives, a court may appoint a guardian to oversee his/her medical treatment
and financial affairs, and to ensure that all decisions that are made are in
the “best interests” of the patient, but this does not guarantee an
individual’s true wishes will be acknowledged.
Purpose of Durable Power of Attorney
What You Need to Know About Do Not Resuscitate Orders
Like a living will, a Do Not Resuscitate order plays an important role in ensuring that an individual’s wishes are considered when life-saving procedures are administered. A Do Not Resuscitate order will direct doctors and paramedics not to attempt resuscitation through cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
There are numerous reasons that an individual may want to obtain a DNR. CPR can save an individual’s life if he/she experiences cardiac or respiratory failure. However, in many cases, an individual that suffers from these traumatic conditions will not be able to enjoy the same quality of life that he/she once did. This is especially true when an individual is elderly and suffering from a terminal illness or a quickly deteriorating physical state. If he/she is resuscitated, he/she may still have to rely on life support for continued existence, oa he/she may remain in a vegetative state.
People that have been combating terminal illnesses are often physically and emotionally exhausted from their battle, and they are ready to end the fight when their body decides that it is time. In many cases, elderly individuals that are suffering from increasing physical deterioration have made their peace and are ready to move on. In these situations, an individual may create a DNR so that paramedics and doctors are aware that he/she does not wish to be resuscitated.
Determining whether or not to obtain a DNR may be difficult and emotional for an individual. In many cases, an individual will consider this option before he/she enters a hospital to obtain a surgical procedure. If he/she wishes to attain a Do Not Resuscitate order, he/she will be required to have it approved by his/her physician.
If a doctor approves a DNR, it is a legally binding document to which all medical professionals must adhere. A DNR is not only important when an individual is staying in a hospital, but may also prove necessary if paramedics must provide life saving support to an individual in his/her home. An individual may wish to obtain an out-of-hospital Do Not Resuscitate order.
This document should-be posted in a visible location in his/her home. In the event that an individual suffers from cardiac or respiratory failure in his/her home, paramedics will see the document and be aware that he/she does not with to be revived. Some individual choose to wear a bracelet or a necklace that indicates that he/she has signed a Do Not Resuscitate order. This will help to ensure that his/her wishes are met.
A DNR form can usually be obtained by visiting a local doctor’s office. The necessary paperwork may vary by state; therefore, it is essential to ensure that an individual creates a DNR in the state in which he/she resides. While the process of obtaining a Do Not Resuscitate order is often upsetting, it will allow an individual to rest assured that his/her wishes will be upheld. An individual should carefully consider the consequences of enacting a DNR before he/she chooses to sign this legally binding document.