What Are Advanced Directives?

1. Living Will

A living will is a written statement outlining a person’s preferences for medical treatment if they become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. This document helps guide doctors and loved ones in making decisions about life-sustaining treatments, such as:

• Resuscitation (CPR) – Whether or not to attempt resuscitation in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
• Mechanical Ventilation – Whether or not to use a ventilator if the patient can no longer breathe on their own.
• Tube Feeding & Hydration – Preferences for receiving artificial nutrition and hydration.
• Pain Management & Comfort Care – Ensuring that comfort measures, such as pain relief, are prioritized.

A living will ensures that a patient’s healthcare decisions are respected, preventing unnecessary suffering and medical interventions they would not want.

2. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Healthcare Proxy)

A durable power of attorney for healthcare (or healthcare proxy) allows an individual to appoint a trusted person (such as a family member or friend) to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. This ensures that someone who understands the patient’s values and wishes can advocate for them in real-time medical situations.

Key aspects of a healthcare proxy include:

• The designated agent can make medical decisions in alignment with the patient’s preferences.
• It becomes active only when the patient is incapacitated.
• It covers a wide range of medical decisions, including consent for surgeries, treatments, and end-of-life care.

Choosing the right healthcare proxy is essential, as this person will have the legal authority to make critical decisions when the patient cannot.

3. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if the patient’s heart stops or if they stop breathing. It is typically used for individuals with serious health conditions who do not want aggressive life-saving measures.

Important considerations for a DNR order:

• It must be signed by a physician.
• It does not affect other treatments like pain management, oxygen, or comfort care.
• It is especially relevant for those receiving hospice or palliative care, where the focus is on quality of life rather than prolonging life through emergency interventions.

A DNR order provides clarity to healthcare providers and loved ones, ensuring that the patient’s wishes are honored in emergency situations.

Why Advanced Directives Matter

Advanced directives provide peace of mind for both patients and their families. They:
✔ Ensure personal values and treatment preferences are followed.
✔ Prevent unnecessary medical interventions.
✔ Reduce stress and uncertainty for family members during difficult times.
✔ Provide legal protection for healthcare providers following the patient’s wishes.

Planning ahead allows patients to receive care that aligns with their values, ensuring dignity and comfort in their healthcare journey.

We recommend using sources from the AZ Attorney General’s website for any advanced directive templates you may need. We also recommend looking into the AZ Healthcare Directives Registry.

Understanding advance directive forms can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions or need guidance on filling out a living will, DNR, or any other advance directive, our team at Noble Hospice is here to help.