No one likes to think about end-of-life decisions, but planning ahead can reduce stress for both you and your loved ones. Having certain legal documents in place can help ensure that your healthcare choices are followed when you can’t communicate them yourself. Here’s what you need to know:
An Advance Directive outlines your medical treatment preferences in case you become unable to make decisions. There are two types:
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: Appoint someone (a trusted family member or friend) to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Order: States that you do not wish to be resuscitated if your heart or breathing stops.
These documents require signatures from you and two adult witnesses (who aren’t your spouse, blood relative, or healthcare provider).
This person (your patient advocate) will make decisions about your medical care, such as:
Approving or refusing treatments, including life-saving measures.
Making decisions about hospice or long-term care.
Giving consent for organ donations (if desired).
Once designated, provide your patient advocate and healthcare provider with copies of this document to ensure it’s part of your medical record.
A DNR order expresses that you do not want to be resuscitated if your heart or breathing stops. This is usually kept in non-medical settings, like your home, and should be visible to emergency personnel. If you’re in a healthcare facility, ensure that your DNR wishes are added to your medical chart.
If you wish to donate your organs or body to science after death, complete a Declaration of Anatomical Gift. Keep this with your Advance Directive and inform your patient advocate about your wishes.
A Living Will outlines the type of medical care you wish to receive if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. While not legally binding in Michigan, it can guide your patient advocate in making treatment decisions on your behalf.
Your Living Will may address:
Whether you want life-saving measures, surgeries, or experimental treatments.
Your preferences regarding food and water provided through tubes.
Ensure your patient advocate and healthcare provider have up-to-date copies of your Advance Directive, DNR order, and Living Will. You can change your choices at any time, and it’s essential that your documents reflect your current wishes.
For further guidance, the Michigan Legislature’s Peace of Mind booklet offers detailed instructions for creating, organizing, and keeping track of these important documents.
Planning ahead with these legal documents ensures that your healthcare decisions are respected and relieves your loved ones from making difficult choices during a challenging time.
