To die with dignity and have the last say. That is what everyone wants. And with an Advance Directive this is your opportunity to legally bind your right to have as little or as much say in what happens to you after you are unable to make that decision. With the Advance Directive you are the one who has the last say as to administer or withhold treatment and or procedures. Should an Advance Directive be shown to health care workers, all life support measures can be withdrawn, and for many older or chronically ill persons this is their wish. This does not mean do not treat if that is what you wish, it just allows you to make that decision before you are unable to voice your opinion.
No one not even your Doctor can force you to complete and Advance Directives. And without an Advance Directives you will receive medical care to the maximum amount that your situation requires. However, should your wish be to be kept comfortable and die in peace without heroic attempts you must have an advance directives. Just saying to your Dr what you want is not enough and is not legally binding so get that Advance Directives in place before you need it and voice how you want to be treated.
Reasons to have an Advance Directives:
It gives you a voice when you cannot speak
Your wishes will be respected and carried out
Should you be suffering from a terminal condition you can be sure that you will not be placed on life support
In the event of a cardiac arrest or an end stage illness heroic measures such as CPR will not be performed.
