Why You Need an Advance Health Care Directive

Ensure your medical wishes are honored and reduce stress for your loved ones

What Is an Advance Health Care Directive?

An Advance Health Care Directive (also called health care proxy or medical power of attorney) is a legal document in which you designate someone — a health care agent — to make decisions for your medical care if you become unable to do so yourself. You can also record your preferences about treatments, pain relief, life-support, organ donation, and disposition of remains.

Why It’s Important to Have One?

1. Stay in control of your medical care

In your advance healthcare directive, you clarify what treatments you do—or don’t—want in situations where you may no longer be able to communicate.

2. Avoid family confusion and conflict

Without clear instructions, your family may struggle or even disagree over what to do. An advance healthcare directive reduces that burden by providing guidance.

3. Give your loved ones peace of mind

Expressing your wishes allows your family to act confidently rather than second-guessing what you would have wanted.

4. Optimize your medical care

An advance directive is also helpful for the medical personnel—avoiding unwanted or unnecessary treatments and focusing on what matters most to you.

How to Choose the Right Health Care Agent

Choosing a good agent is one of the most important steps. Some things to keep in mind:

• Pick someone who understands your values and will honor your wishes—even if they personally disagree.
• Make sure the person lives reasonably nearby or can act quickly if needed.
• Confirm the person is willing and emotionally/physically able to take on this responsibility.
• Consider naming one or more alternate agents in case your first choice is unavailable.

What to Specify in Your Directive

An effective advance healthcare directive often includes:

• Appointment of your health care agent(s)
• Your preferences on life-sustaining treatments (e.g., ventilators, feeding tubes)
• Where you prefer to receive care (home, hospice, hospital)
• Whether you prefer comfort/palliative care vs. aggressive interventions
• Any spiritual, religious, or personal values that should guide decision-making

When Should You Create or Update One?

• As soon as you become an adult capable of making your own decisions. Age doesn’t exempt you from unexpected medical situations.
• When you experience major life changes (marriage, divorce, diagnosis of serious illness).
• Whenever your views or circumstances change—because you can revise your directive at any time.

Tips for Making Your Directive Effective

• Hire an experienced San Diego estate planning attorney to prepare documents that are legally valid.
• Share copies with your health care agent, your primary doctor, and family members.
• Keep the original document in a safe, easily accessible place and let your agent know where it is.
• Review it periodically to make sure it still aligns with your wishes.
• Talk openly with your health care agent and loved ones about your values and wishes so decisions become smoother if the time comes.

In Summary

An Advance Health Care Directive is a simple but powerful tool for planning ahead. It lets you steer your medical care, protects your loved ones from facing uncertainty, and ensures your values guide decisions when you may not be able to speak for yourself.

If you haven’t completed one yet, now is a great time to take that step.