What are advance directives describe how a living will differs from a durable power of attorney for health care?

Question:  What is the difference between a “living will” and a “durable power of attorney for health care?”  Do I need both and, if so, which is more important?

Answer:  It is important to know about “advance directives” and how they work. Advance directives are specific instructions about the type of future medical care you want, or do not want, if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.  These are documents you prepare and sign in ADVANCE of when you actually need medical care.

Living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care are types of advance directives.

A durable power of attorney for health care names one or more people to make decisions for you if you become mentally incapacitated. The document empowers a person of your choice to speak with members of your care team, obtain second opinions, sign consents, and to make decisions if you are unable to do so.  A healthcare power of attorney ensures you can provide instructions on the personal health care decisions that matter most to you.  This advance directive also may authorize a loved one to direct doctors to give or withhold life sustaining treatment if were you determined to be near death or permanently unconscious. It is important to note that without this advance directive, loved ones only have a few months in which they can make decisions for you, after which time a court ordered guardian would be required.

In New Hampshire, a living will provides instructions to your medical team if you have not named an individual to make decisions for you, or if there are no individuals available to carry out your wishes. This document focuses on end-of-life care were you to be declared near death or permanently unconscious.  A living will provides instructions to your medical team about care choices, but does not name an individual to make any decisions on your behalf.

In New Hampshire, these two advance directives now comprise two sections of the same form. You do not have to fill out both sections but if you do, the instructions should be consistent. You can find these documents at hospitals or nursing homes, and on line at www.healthynh.com.  An attorney also could prepare these documents for you when preparing other estate planning documents and help you ensure the documents express your personal wishes.

How does an advance directive differ from a living will?

Unlike the living will, however, an advance directive isn't limited to terminal illness. It may also include medical events such as dementia, stroke or coma. There are many different types of advance directives, including, but not limited to, a living will, medical power of attorney and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order.

What are advance directives quizlet?

Advance directives are legal documents that allow people to state what medical treatments they want or do not want in the event that they are unable to make decisions or communicate because of severe illness or injury.

What is the difference between a living will and durable power of attorney quizlet?

A living will is a directive that declares the patient's wishes should the patient become unable to give instruction. A durable power of attorney identifies a person who will make healthcare decisions in the event the patient is unable to do so.

What is meant by the term advanced directives?

Terminology. The term advance directive (increasingly being replaced by the term advance decision) means a statement explaining what medical treatment the individual would not want in the future, should that individual 'lack capacity' as defined by the Mental Capacity Act 2005.