Advanced Directives

Who would speak for you if you could not speak for yourself? It is not an easy question, but it is an important one — and every adult should have an answer. This DNL Live episode explains advance directives: what they are, why they matter and how to create one in Michigan.

What is an advance directive?

An advance directive is a written document that explains your health care wishes in case you ever cannot make or communicate decisions yourself. It is not just for older adults or people who are seriously ill. Accidents and sudden illness can happen to anyone, at any age. Having your wishes in writing protects you and takes a heavy burden off the people who love you.

The main pieces

• Patient advocate designation. In Michigan, this names a person you trust — called a patient advocate — to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. Choose someone who knows your values and will speak up for them.
• Living will statements. These describe the care you do or do not want, such as life support, pain management or organ donation.
• Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. These are separate medical orders signed with your doctor, if you choose one.

How to get started

You do not need a lawyer to create an advance directive in Michigan, though you can use one. Free forms are available from hospitals, area agencies on aging and the state. The document must be signed and witnessed to be valid. Once it is done, give copies to your patient advocate, your doctor and your family. Review it every few years or after any major life change.

Talking about these choices can feel uncomfortable, but most people feel relief once the conversation is over. Your voice matters — this is one more way to make sure it is always heard.

It also helps to talk with your patient advocate before anything is signed. Walk through a few "what if" situations together so they understand not just your choices, but the reasons behind them. The more they know about your values, the easier it will be for them to speak with your voice when it matters most.

For people with disabilities, advance directives carry extra importance. They are a powerful self-advocacy tool: a way to state, clearly and legally, that you direct your own care. If you use supported decision-making, your advance directive can work alongside it, naming the people you trust to help carry out your wishes.

Take the first step today

The hardest part of an advance directive is simply starting. You do not have to finish it all at once. Watch the episode, jot down a few of your wishes, and think about who you would trust to speak for you. Small steps like these add up, and they mean your voice stays part of every decision about your care.

Want to go deeper? Read our blog post on advance directives for health care, watch more episodes on the DNL Live hub, or call (616) 396-5326 for free one-on-one help.