What Is an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD)?
An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is a legal document that allows individuals to communicate their healthcare preferences in advance if they become unable to make or communicate medical decisions. An AHCD may include instructions about medical treatments, life-sustaining care, and the appointment of a trusted healthcare agent or proxy to make decisions on the individual’s behalf.
Advance Health Care Directives help ensure that medical care reflects a person’s values, goals, and wishes.
Why an Advance Health Care Directive Matters
Unexpected illness or injury can leave someone unable to communicate their healthcare preferences. Having an AHCD in place helps guide healthcare providers and loved ones, reduces uncertainty during medical emergencies, and supports patient-centered decision-making.
What an Advance Health Care Directive May Include
- Preferred medical treatments
- Life-support decisions
- Artificial nutrition and hydration preferences
- Pain management wishes
- End-of-life care preferences
- Appointment of a healthcare agent or proxy
- Organ and tissue donation preferences
- Religious or personal healthcare considerations
Who Should Have an Advance Health Care Directive?
- Older adults
- Individuals with chronic illnesses
- People preparing for surgery
- Adults of any age who wish to document their healthcare preferences
- Anyone who wants to designate a trusted medical decision-maker
How Home Care Can Help
Home care professionals respect documented Advance Health Care Directives and work closely with healthcare providers and families to support the individual’s wishes. Caregivers can also encourage families to keep these documents accessible and ensure appropriate members of the healthcare team are aware of them.
Home Care Tip for Families
Review Advance Health Care Directives periodically and update them whenever healthcare preferences, personal circumstances, or designated decision-makers change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Health Care Directives
Is an Advance Health Care Directive only for older adults?
No. Every adult can benefit from documenting their healthcare wishes in case an unexpected medical emergency occurs.
Can an Advance Health Care Directive be changed?
Yes. Individuals can usually update or revoke their directive at any time, provided they are legally able to make healthcare decisions.
Should family members have a copy of the directive?
Yes. Copies should be shared with your healthcare agent, healthcare providers, and close family members so they are available when needed.
When to Create an Advance Health Care Directive
It’s best to complete an Advance Health Care Directive while you are healthy and able to make informed decisions, rather than waiting until a medical crisis occurs.