In our lives, we make countless decisions, but one of the most critical choices we can make is planning our healthcare preferences for the future. A Health Care Directive (HCD) allows you to document your wishes, so loved ones and healthcare providers can honor them if you’re unable to speak for yourself. At Minnesota Hospice, we emphasize the importance of HCDs, particularly for those facing chronic or serious illnesses. This blog offers clarity on creating an HCD and explores essential questions to consider.

 

What is a Health Care Directive?

A Health Care Directive (HCD) is a legal document that communicates your healthcare wishes. It combines elements such as a living will, durable power of attorney for healthcare, and specific instructions, all of which guide your healthcare team and chosen decision-maker (known as a Health Care Agent) in making decisions that align with your values and preferences. A HCD allows you to specify the type of treatments you want or don’t want and designate someone to make healthcare choices on your behalf.

 

Why is a Health Care Directive Important?

A HCD ensures that your voice is heard in critical healthcare situations, offering peace of mind to both you and your loved ones. Without an HCD, family members might face challenging decisions without guidance, potentially leading to stress or conflicts. By planning ahead, you empower those who care for you with the information they need to make decisions that reflect your values, priorities, and beliefs.

 

 Key Steps in Completing a Health Care Directive

1. Reflect on Your Values and Wishes

Consider what quality of life means to you. Think about your comfort, dignity, and preferences for medical treatments.

 

2. Choose a Health Care Agent

Your Health Care Agent is a trusted individual who will make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to. This person should respect your wishes and feel comfortable making difficult choices during stressful times. Ask yourself:

   – Does this person understand my values and wishes?

   – Can they make decisions under pressure?

   – Will they advocate for me if others disagree?

 

3. Complete Your Health Care Directive Forms

In Minnesota, you don’t need a lawyer to create an HCD. You can complete the necessary forms and ensure they meet legal requirements.

 

4. Discuss and Share Your Directive

It’s crucial to discuss your HCD with family members, your Health Care Agent, and your healthcare team to avoid misunderstandings. Ensure that your HCD is accessible, with copies shared with key individuals.

 

5. Review and Update Regularly

Life changes, and so may your preferences. Review your HCD annually to ensure it still reflects your wishes, especially after significant life events.

 

 

Questions to Consider When Writing Your Health Care Directive

In addition to filling out standard HCD forms, you may want to explore deeper questions that help clarify your values and healthcare priorities. Here are some questions that can guide your decision-making:

 

– What abilities are so important to you that you wouldn’t want to live without them? 

Consider factors such as mobility, communication, or independence, and define what quality of life means to you.

 

– What would an ideal day look like for you if you were dealing with a serious illness? 

This question helps you think about what brings joy or comfort, shaping preferences for everyday activities and environments.

 

– What fears or concerns do you have about future medical care? 

Acknowledging these fears allows you to specify treatments you may wish to avoid or approach with caution.

 

– How would you feel about life-sustaining treatments? 

Decide whether you would want interventions such as ventilators, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or artificial nutrition. Many people choose to forgo these in favor of comfort care, but it’s a personal decision.

 

– Where would you prefer to receive care in your final days? 

Whether at home, in a hospice facility, or in another setting, your choice will impact the care you receive and the experiences of your loved ones.

 

 Common Misconceptions About Health Care Directives

Myth: “Only elderly or very ill people need a Health Care Directive.” 

Truth: Anyone over 18 can benefit from an HCD, as unexpected medical situations can happen at any age.

 

Myth: “My family already knows what I want.” 

Truth: Without a written document, family members might have different interpretations of your wishes. A HCD offers clarity and minimizes stress.

 

Myth: “Once I complete an HCD, I can’t change it.” 

Truth: You can update your HCD at any time to reflect changes in your life, values, or health.

 

Moving Forward: How to Start Your Health Care Directive

If you’re ready to begin, start by reflecting on your values, talking with loved ones, and reaching out to healthcare professionals who can guide you through the process. Minnesota Hospice is here to help. For resources and support, visit:

 

Minnesota Board on Aging Senior LinkAge Line        

Call:1-800-333-2433

To Download Forms: 

https://mn.gov/board-on-aging/connect-to-services/legal/advanced-care-planning/advance-directives

 

Honoring Choices Minnesota (https://honoringchoices.org)

 

or contact us directly for further assistance.

 

Creating an HCD is a meaningful way to express your preferences, ensuring that your journey reflects your choices and values.

 

 

If you or a loved one needs hospice support, please reach out to us. Our nurses answer phones 24/7, ensuring no one has to face this journey alone. We encourage individuals and families to explore hospice sooner rather than later, as early involvement offers more opportunities to honor personal wishes.

 

Call us anytime to learn more about how hospice can help you and your family. Our nurse line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.