Advance Directives

An Advance Directive is a legal document that will authorize the person designated as your spokesperson if you are unable to make your own medical decisions.



Anyone over 18 who wants to ensure their medical wishes are followed if they become incapacitated needs an advance directive. It’s especially important for:

Older adults: Aging increases the likelihood of health issues or emergencies.

People with serious illnesses: Those with conditions like cancer, heart disease, or neurological disorders may face situations where they can’t communicate preferences.

Individuals undergoing major surgery: Procedures carry risks of complications that could impair decision-making capacity.

Those with strong treatment preferences: If you have specific desires about life-sustaining measures (e.g., no resuscitation or ventilators), an advance directive clarifies them.

Anyone without close family: Without a designated proxy, decisions may fall to distant relatives or courts.
Even healthy adults benefit, as accidents or sudden illness can happen. It’s a proactive step to maintain control over your care.