Gather information for advance care planning

Doctors consult your health care directive when they need to decide on treatment when you are unable to tell them what you want. Without a directive, it will be up to your family to make health care decisions.

A health care directive allows you to appoint an agent to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do that yourself. You want to choose someone who knows you very well and is able to make the health decision you would make if you could. There is a section in the health care directive where you can name the person.

In Minnesota, the term used most frequently for legal advance care planning documents is a health care directive. A health care directive spells out if you would like artificial life support if you become unconscious or are unable to speak for yourself. It also details other types of health care you prefer under these situations.

Any lawyer who specializes in elder law is able to help you prepare the health care directive although it is not required to use a lawyer. If you need help to complete a health care directive, you may connect with a lawyer in your community who specializes in health care directives.

Since your situation and wishes may change over time, it is important to review and update your health care directive from time to time. Be sure to discuss your plan with your family so they understand and are comfortable with your wishes.

Here are some important actions to keep in mind as you complete your health care directive.

• Talk to your doctor. It is important to speak with your doctor so they understand how you feel. You need to ask your doctor if their values allow them to honor your wishes.
• Talk to your family. Talking with family eliminates potential family conflicts and may make them more comfortable if they need to make difficult decisions.
• Give copies. After you have completed your health care directive, give copies to your doctor, health care agent if you choose one; close family members and others who might need to know your wishes.

The Minnesota Board on Aging provides a booklet, called Planning Ahead, that describes and explains the legal and related issues that older adults fact.

Honoring Choices Minnesota is a statewide initiative that encourages families and communities to have discussions about end-of-life care choices.