Understanding Advance Directives
Advance directives are legal documents that help communicate your medical wishes if you become too sick, injured, or unable to speak for yourself. They allow you to decide in advance who should make healthcare decisions for you and what types of care you would or would not want in serious medical situations.
Advance directives are not only for older adults or people with serious illness. Any adult can and should benefit from having one because unexpected medical emergencies can happen at any age.
Why Advance Directives Matter
Advance directives allow you to make your healthcare wishes known before a medical emergency occurs. They provide guidance to your loved ones and healthcare providers if you become unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself due to illness or injury.
By documenting your preferences in advance, you remain in control of your medical care, even if you are no longer able to speak on your own behalf. While laws vary by state, advance directives generally become effective only when you are determined to lack the ability to make your own healthcare decisions.
Benefits of Having an Advance Directive
1. Reduces Emotional Burden on Your Loved Ones (Survivor’s Guilt)
One of the greatest gifts you can leave your family is the peace of knowing they honored your wishes rather than having to guess what you would have wanted. During an already difficult and emotional time, family members often struggle with uncertainty and may wonder if they made the “right” decision. An advance directive removes much of that uncertainty and helps loved ones find comfort in knowing they carried out the decisions you made for yourself.
2. Provides Clear Guidance to Your Healthcare Team
Doctors, nurses, and emergency medical personnel are trained to preserve life whenever possible. However, every person has different values, beliefs, and preferences regarding medical treatment.
An advance directive clearly communicates which treatments you would want, which treatments you would decline, and who should make decisions on your behalf if necessary. This allows your healthcare team to provide care that aligns with your personal goals and values while avoiding unnecessary confusion during an emergency.
3. Helps Prevent Family Conflict
Serious illness can place enormous emotional stress on families. Without written instructions, relatives may have different opinions about the care you would have wanted. One family member may believe every available treatment should be pursued, while another may believe comfort-focused care better reflects your wishes.
An advance directive helps reduce misunderstandings by providing clear guidance directly from you. Although disagreements can still occur, having your wishes documented often makes difficult decisions much easier for both families and healthcare providers.
4. Reduces the Risk of Legal Disputes
When a person’s wishes are unknown, disagreements among family members can sometimes lead to legal conflicts over who should make medical decisions or what treatments should be provided. While most families work together successfully, these disputes can delay important healthcare decisions and add unnecessary stress during an already emotional time.
An advance directive clearly identifies your chosen healthcare decision-maker and documents your treatment preferences, helping reduce uncertainty and the potential for legal disagreements.
5. Ensures Your Values Are Respected
Medical decisions are deeply personal. Some people want every available life-sustaining treatment, while others prefer to focus on comfort and quality of life if recovery is unlikely. There is no universally “right” choice—only the choice that is right for you.
An advance directive helps ensure your healthcare reflects your personal values, religious or spiritual beliefs, cultural preferences, and goals for treatment.
6. Gives You Peace of Mind
Completing an advance directive allows you and your loved ones to have important conversations before a crisis occurs. Knowing that your wishes have been documented can provide reassurance that, should the unexpected happen, those closest to you and your healthcare team will have the guidance they need to honor your decisions.
I think this version is more appropriate for a medical practice website because it remains compassionate, factual, and neutral while still emphasizing the very real benefits of advance care planning. It also avoids language that could be interpreted as encouraging or discouraging any particular end-of-life choice.
State Laws May Differ
Advance directive requirements vary by state. Some states use different names for similar documents, and each state may have its own rules about signatures, witnesses, notarization, required forms, and who may serve as a healthcare decision-maker.
Because laws can differ, patients should complete the form that applies to their state of residence and consider speaking with an attorney, healthcare provider, hospital social worker, or other qualified professional if they have questions.
Common Types of Advance Directives
Advance Directive
An advance directive is a general term for legal documents that explain your healthcare wishes and/or name someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself. Depending on the state, this may include a living will, healthcare proxy, healthcare power of attorney, or similar document.
Living Will
A living will explains what types of medical treatments you would or would not want in certain serious situations. This may include decisions about life support, breathing machines, feeding tubes, dialysis, CPR, comfort care, and end-of-life treatment.
A living will does not appoint a person to make decisions for you. Instead, it gives written instructions about your preferences.
Healthcare Proxy
A healthcare proxy is a person you choose to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make decisions yourself. This person should be someone you trust, who understands your values, and who is willing to follow your wishes even during stressful situations.
Some states call this person a healthcare agent, surrogate, representative, or medical decision-maker.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that names someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so. This is similar to a healthcare proxy, but the exact name and requirements vary by state.
This person may be able to speak with doctors, review medical information, consent to or refuse treatment, and help guide decisions based on your wishes.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
A durable power of attorney for healthcare means the authority continues even if you become incapacitated. This is different from a general power of attorney, which may apply to financial or legal matters rather than medical decisions.
The word “durable” generally means the document remains valid if you lose the ability to make decisions.
General Power of Attorney
A general power of attorney usually gives someone authority to handle financial, legal, or personal business matters. It does not always include healthcare decision-making unless healthcare authority is specifically included.
Patients should not assume a financial power of attorney automatically allows someone to make medical decisions.
Medical Orders, DNR, POLST, or MOLST
Some patients may also have medical orders such as a Do Not Resuscitate order, POLST, or MOLST form. These are different from standard advance directives because they are medical orders, often intended for people with serious illness, advanced disease, or frailty.
These forms usually require involvement from a healthcare professional and may address CPR, hospitalization, feeding tubes, antibiotics, and other treatments.
Definitions to Know
Advance Directive
An advance directive is a written legal document that explains a person’s healthcare wishes in case they become unable to make or communicate medical decisions in the future.
Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
Artificial nutrition and hydration means providing food, fluids, or both through medical means, such as a feeding tube or intravenous line, when a person cannot eat or drink on their own.
Autopsy
An autopsy is a medical examination performed after death to help determine the cause of death or better understand a person’s illness or injury.
Comfort Care
Comfort care focuses on keeping a person as comfortable as possible rather than trying to cure an illness. This may include pain control, help with breathing, bathing, repositioning, mouth care, emotional support, and other measures to reduce discomfort.
CPR
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is emergency treatment used to try to restart a person’s heartbeat or breathing. CPR may include chest compressions, electric shock, rescue breathing, medications, or placement of a breathing tube.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
A durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document that allows a person to name someone else to make medical decisions for them if they become unable to make those decisions themselves.
Life-Sustaining Treatment
Life-sustaining treatment refers to medical treatments used to keep a person alive when the body cannot do so on its own. Examples may include CPR, a breathing machine, dialysis, artificial nutrition, artificial hydration, or certain medications.
Living Will
A living will is a type of advance directive that explains what medical treatments a person would or would not want if they become unable to communicate their wishes.
Organ and Tissue Donation
Organ and tissue donation means allowing organs or tissues, such as the heart, kidneys, liver, corneas, skin, or bone, to be donated after death. These donations may be used for transplantation, research, or medical education, depending on the person’s wishes and applicable laws.
Persistent Vegetative State
A persistent vegetative state is a condition in which a person is unconscious and unaware of their surroundings for a prolonged period of time. The person may open their eyes or have reflex movements, but they do not show meaningful awareness or purposeful response.
Terminal Condition
A terminal condition is an illness or injury that cannot be cured and is expected to result in death, even with medical treatment. In this situation, life-sustaining treatments may prolong the dying process but may not improve the underlying condition.
Choosing the Right Person
When choosing a healthcare proxy or healthcare power of attorney, consider someone who:
- Knows you well
- Understands your values and beliefs
- Can make decisions under pressure
- Is willing to speak up for your wishes
- Can communicate clearly with family and medical professionals
- Is likely to be available in an emergency
It is also helpful to name an alternate person in case your first choice is unavailable.
What to Discuss With Your Loved Ones
Advance directives work best when paired with honest conversations. Consider discussing:
- What quality of life means to you
- Whether you would want life support in certain situations
- Your thoughts about CPR, breathing machines, feeding tubes, and dialysis
- Your preferences about comfort care and pain control
- Religious, spiritual, or personal beliefs that matter to you
- Who you trust to make decisions on your behalf
Sharing Your Advance Directive
After completing an advance directive, give copies to your healthcare proxy, alternate decision-maker, primary care provider, specialists, hospital, and close family members. Keep a copy somewhere easy to find.
You may also want to bring a copy when you are admitted to a hospital, undergoing surgery, entering a nursing facility, or starting care with a new medical practice.
Advance Directives Can Be Changed
In most cases, you can update or cancel your advance directive at any time as long as you are able to make your own decisions. You should review your documents after major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, serious illness, a new diagnosis, death of a loved one, or a change in your healthcare preferences.
Important Note
Advance directives are legal documents, and requirements vary by state. This information is for general education only and is not legal advice. Patients should follow their state’s requirements and consider speaking with a qualified legal or healthcare professional for guidance.
Below are the most common medical orders and advance care planning documents used in the United States. Keep in mind that the names, availability, and exact legal requirements vary by state.
| Abbreviation | Full Name | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| AD | Advance Directive | A legal document that records a person’s healthcare wishes and/or appoints someone to make medical decisions if they become unable to do so. Often includes a Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney. |
| LW | Living Will | A written document describing what life-sustaining treatments a person does or does not want if they are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. |
| HCPOA | Healthcare Power of Attorney | A legal document appointing another person (an agent) to make healthcare decisions if the patient loses decision-making capacity. |
| HCP | Healthcare Proxy | The individual designated to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient. Some states use this term instead of Healthcare Power of Attorney. |
| POA | Power of Attorney | A legal document authorizing another person to act on someone’s behalf. Unless specifically designated as a Healthcare POA, it usually applies only to financial or legal matters. |
| DPOA | Durable Power of Attorney | A Power of Attorney that remains effective even after the person loses decision-making capacity. It may be financial or healthcare depending on how it is written. |
Physician/Medical Orders
Unlike advance directives, the following are medical orders signed by a licensed healthcare professional. They become part of the patient’s medical record and direct healthcare providers.
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) / DNAR (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation)
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) or Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) order is a physician or other authorized clinician’s medical order that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing.
Most people recognize the acronym DNR. Essentially DNAR is the modern equivalent of DNR.
Many organizations prefer DNAR because CPR is never guaranteed to be successful, so “Do Not Attempt Resuscitation” is considered more accurate terminology.
Unlike an advance directive, which is a legal planning document, a DNR/DNAR is an active medical order that becomes part of a patient’s medical record and guides healthcare professionals during an emergency.
What Does a DNR/DNAR Mean?
If a patient experiences cardiac arrest (the heart stops) or respiratory arrest (breathing stops), healthcare providers will not attempt CPR. Depending on the situation, CPR may include:
- Chest compressions
- Rescue breathing
- Placement of a breathing tube (intubation) as part of resuscitation
- Electrical shocks (defibrillation)
- Emergency medications intended to restart the heart
The goal of a DNR/DNAR order is to allow a natural death rather than attempting resuscitation.
Why Are There Two Different Terms?
Many healthcare organizations, including the American Heart Association, prefer the term Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) because it more accurately reflects that CPR is an attempt to restart the heart and breathing, but it is not always successful. In practice, DNR and DNAR are generally used interchangeably, and both communicate the same medical instruction.
What a DNR/DNAR Does Not Mean
A DNR/DNAR order does not mean medical care stops. Patients continue to receive appropriate medical treatment unless other treatment limitations have also been documented.
Depending on the patient’s condition and goals of care, treatment may still include:
- Pain management
- Oxygen therapy
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids
- Surgery or other medical procedures
- Medications
- Palliative care
- Hospice care
- Comfort-focused treatments
A DNR only limits attempts to restart the heart or breathing after cardiac or respiratory arrest.
How Is a DNR/DNAR Created?
A DNR/DNAR order is created after a discussion between the patient (or the patient’s legally authorized healthcare decision-maker) and the healthcare team. The order must be signed by a physician or other healthcare professional authorized under state law.
Patients who have decision-making capacity may request, modify, or revoke a DNR/DNAR order at any time. Because laws and requirements vary by state, patients should discuss their wishes with their healthcare provider to ensure the appropriate forms are completed and readily available when needed.
DNI (Do Not Intubate)
A Do Not Intubate (DNI) order is a physician or other authorized clinician’s medical order that instructs healthcare providers not to place a breathing tube into a patient’s airway or connect the patient to a mechanical ventilator if they are unable to breathe adequately on their own.
Unlike a DNR, which only applies if the heart or breathing stops completely, a DNI specifically addresses mechanical ventilation.
What Does a DNI Mean?
If a patient develops severe breathing problems, healthcare providers will not perform endotracheal intubation or place the patient on a breathing machine.
A patient with a DNI may still receive:
- Oxygen therapy
- Medications
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids
- Breathing treatments
- Non-invasive ventilation (CPAP or BiPAP), if desired
- Comfort-focused care
How Is a DNI Created?
A DNI order is established after a discussion between the patient (or authorized healthcare decision-maker) and the healthcare team. Patients who have decision-making capacity may change or revoke the order at any time.
A patient may choose DNI without having a DNR.
DNH (Do Not Hospitalize)
A Do Not Hospitalize (DNH) order is a medical order requesting that a patient remain in their current care setting rather than being transferred to a hospital, unless hospitalization is necessary to provide comfort or cannot reasonably be avoided.
DNH orders are most commonly used in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice settings.
What Does a DNH Mean?
Patients continue to receive appropriate medical care where they live whenever possible. Treatments may include:
- Pain management
- Oxygen therapy
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids (if appropriate)
- Palliative care
- Hospice care
Hospital transfers are generally avoided unless they are needed to improve comfort or are specifically requested.
AND (Allow Natural Death)
Allow Natural Death (AND) is a physician’s medical order that focuses on allowing the natural dying process while continuing compassionate, comfort-focused care.
Many healthcare organizations prefer the term Allow Natural Death because it emphasizes what care will be provided rather than what treatments will be withheld.
What Does an AND Order Mean?
Healthcare providers continue providing treatments that relieve suffering and promote comfort while avoiding attempts to restart the heart or breathing after death has begun.
Comfort-focused care may include:
- Pain management
- Oxygen for comfort
- Anxiety medications
- Emotional support
- Spiritual care
- Hospice services
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
A POLST is a portable medical order designed for people with serious illness, advanced frailty, or limited life expectancy. It translates a patient’s treatment preferences into physician orders that emergency medical personnel and healthcare providers can immediately follow.
What Does a POLST Cover?
A POLST commonly addresses:
- CPR
- Mechanical ventilation
- Hospitalization
- Intensive care
- Artificial nutrition
- IV fluids
- Antibiotics
- Comfort-focused treatment
Unlike an advance directive, a POLST is intended for patients whose healthcare decisions are likely to be needed in the near future.
MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
A MOLST serves the same purpose as a POLST but is used in certain states under a different name.
Like a POLST, it provides clear physician orders regarding life-sustaining treatments and travels with the patient between hospitals, nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home.
MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment)
A MOST form is another state-specific version of the POLST program.
It outlines a patient’s wishes regarding emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, life support, artificial nutrition, and comfort-focused care, allowing healthcare professionals to quickly honor those preferences.
POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment)
A POST form is functionally equivalent to a POLST or MOLST. It is simply the terminology used in certain states.
The purpose is to provide portable physician orders regarding life-sustaining treatments for patients with serious illness or advanced frailty.
COLST (Clinician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
A COLST is another variation of the POLST model used in a small number of jurisdictions.
The form documents a patient’s treatment preferences and provides medical orders that healthcare professionals, including emergency responders, can follow across different healthcare settings.
TPOPP (Transportable Physician Orders for Patient Preferences)
A TPOPP is Hawaii’s version of the POLST program.
It creates portable medical orders that accompany patients wherever they receive care, helping ensure their treatment preferences are honored consistently by emergency responders, hospitals, nursing facilities, and other healthcare providers.
ANH (Artificial Nutrition and Hydration)
Artificial Nutrition and Hydration (ANH) refers to providing food, fluids, or both through medical means when a person cannot eat or drink adequately on their own.
Examples include:
- Feeding tubes
- Intravenous (IV) fluids
- Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Common Decisions About ANH
Patients may choose to:
- Receive long-term artificial nutrition
- Receive a temporary trial
- Decline artificial nutrition
- Receive hydration only
- Accept treatment only if it improves comfort
These decisions are often documented within a POLST, MOLST, or advance directive.
Mechanical Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation is the use of a machine (ventilator) to help or completely take over breathing when a person cannot breathe effectively on their own.
Mechanical ventilation typically requires placement of a breathing tube through the mouth into the windpipe (intubation), although long-term ventilation may be provided through a tracheostomy.
Common Choices
Patients may choose to:
- Accept full mechanical ventilation
- Accept a short-term trial
- Decline mechanical ventilation (DNI)
- Accept only non-invasive ventilation (CPAP or BiPAP)
These preferences are commonly documented in advance directives or POLST-type forms.
Comfort Measures Only (CMO)
Comfort Measures Only (CMO) is a medical order directing healthcare providers to focus exclusively on relieving symptoms and maximizing comfort rather than attempting to prolong life.
The primary goal is to maintain the highest possible quality of life.
Comfort measures may include:
- Pain management
- Oxygen for comfort
- Medications for anxiety or nausea
- Wound care
- Position changes
- Mouth care
- Emotional and spiritual support
Life-prolonging treatments are generally avoided unless they improve comfort.
Hospice Orders
Hospice care is specialized medical care for individuals who have a terminal illness and are generally expected to have six months or less to live if the illness follows its usual course.
Hospice orders shift the focus from curing disease to maximizing comfort and quality of life.
Hospice care commonly includes:
- Pain and symptom management
- Nursing care
- Physician oversight
- Emotional counseling
- Spiritual support
- Medical equipment and medications related to the terminal illness
- Support for family members and caregivers
Hospice care may be provided in a patient’s home, nursing facility, assisted living community, hospice center, or hospital.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on improving quality of life for people living with serious or chronic illnesses.
Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness, including while a patient is receiving treatments intended to cure or control the disease.
Palliative care may help with:
- Pain management
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Anxiety and depression
- Emotional support
- Care coordination
- Advance care planning
The goal is to improve comfort, reduce symptoms, and help patients and families make informed healthcare decisions while supporting their overall well-being.
Quick Comparison
| Document/Order | Legal Document | Medical Order | Appoints Decision Maker | Directs Emergency Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advance Directive | ✓ | Sometimes | ||
| Living Will | ✓ | |||
| Healthcare Power of Attorney | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Healthcare Proxy | ✓* | ✓ | ||
| DNR / DNAR | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| DNI | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| DNH | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| POLST / MOLST / POST / MOST / COLST / TPOPP | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Allow Natural Death (AND) | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Comfort Measures Only | ✓ | ✓ |
Key distinction: Advance directives are legal planning documents completed in advance by the patient, whereas DNRs, POLSTs, MOLSTs, and similar forms are medical orders completed with a healthcare professional and are intended to guide treatment by EMS, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Directives
Who should have an advance directive?
Every adult age 18 or older should consider completing an advance directive. Serious accidents, unexpected illnesses, or medical emergencies can occur at any age. Having your wishes documented helps ensure your healthcare preferences are respected if you become unable to communicate.
What happens if I don’t have an advance directive?
If you become unable to make your own medical decisions and have not completed an advance directive, state law generally determines who may make decisions on your behalf. This may be your spouse, adult children, parents, or another close relative, depending on your state’s laws. Without clear instructions, family members may disagree about what you would have wanted.
Is an advance directive only for older adults?
No. While advance directives are especially important for older adults and people with chronic illnesses, they are recommended for all adults. Unexpected medical emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health.
Can I still make my own medical decisions if I have an advance directive?
Yes. An advance directive does not take away your rights. As long as you are able to understand your medical condition and communicate your decisions, you remain in complete control of your healthcare. Your designated decision-maker only steps in if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself.
What’s the difference between a Living Will and a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
A Living Will describes the types of medical treatments you would or would not want in certain situations. A Healthcare Power of Attorney appoints someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. Many people complete both documents as part of a comprehensive advance directive.
Who should I choose as my healthcare decision-maker?
Choose someone you trust completely—someone who understands your values, is willing to honor your wishes, communicates well with healthcare providers, and can remain calm during stressful situations. It is also a good idea to name an alternate decision-maker in case your first choice is unavailable.
Can my healthcare decision-maker override my written wishes?
In most situations, your healthcare decision-maker is expected to follow the instructions you have provided in your advance directive whenever possible. Their role is to make decisions consistent with your known wishes or, if your wishes are unknown, what they reasonably believe would be in your best interest.
Can I change or revoke my advance directive?
Yes. As long as you have the legal capacity to make your own decisions, you can update, replace, or revoke your advance directive at any time. After making changes, be sure to provide updated copies to your healthcare providers, family members, and healthcare decision-maker.
Do I need a lawyer to complete an advance directive?
Usually not. Most states provide free or low-cost advance directive forms that do not require an attorney. However, because legal requirements vary by state, some people choose to seek legal advice if they have complex family, financial, or healthcare situations.
Does my advance directive apply in every state?
Not necessarily. Many states recognize advance directives completed in other states, but requirements and terminology vary. If you move permanently to another state, it is a good idea to complete that state’s forms to ensure they meet current legal requirements.
What is the difference between an advance directive and a DNR?
An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your healthcare wishes and may appoint someone to make decisions for you. A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical order signed by a healthcare provider instructing healthcare professionals not to perform CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing.
Does having a DNR mean doctors will stop treating me?
No. A DNR only applies to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after your heart or breathing stops. You can still receive medications, surgery, antibiotics, oxygen, pain management, hospitalization, and other appropriate medical treatments unless you have chosen additional treatment limitations.
What is the difference between a DNR and a POLST or MOLST?
A DNR only addresses whether CPR should be attempted if your heart or breathing stops. A POLST or MOLST covers a much broader range of medical treatments, such as hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, antibiotics, and comfort-focused care. POLST and MOLST forms are generally intended for individuals with serious illness or advanced frailty.
Can I receive comfort care even if I have a DNR?
Absolutely. Comfort care—including pain management, oxygen for symptom relief, medications to ease breathing, emotional support, and hospice or palliative care—can continue regardless of whether a patient has a DNR. A DNR does not mean medical care stops; it simply limits resuscitation efforts.
Where should I keep my advance directive?
Keep the original in a safe but accessible location. Give copies to your healthcare decision-maker, your primary care provider, specialists, close family members, and your local hospital if possible. Some states also maintain electronic registries where advance directives can be securely stored.
Should I review my advance directive periodically?
Yes. Healthcare professionals often recommend reviewing your advance directive every few years or after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a new diagnosis, retirement, or the death of your chosen healthcare decision-maker. Regular reviews help ensure your wishes remain current.
Can my family disagree with my advance directive?
Family members may have different opinions, but healthcare providers generally follow valid advance directives and applicable state law. Discussing your wishes with your loved ones before an emergency can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce conflict during difficult times.
Is hospice the same as having a DNR?
No. Hospice is a type of care focused on comfort and quality of life for people with a terminal illness. A DNR is a medical order regarding CPR. While many hospice patients choose to have a DNR, having one does not automatically mean you are receiving hospice care, and hospice patients can have other medical orders based on their individual goals.
Where can I get an advance directive?
Most hospitals, healthcare providers, state health departments, and nonprofit organizations provide free advance directive forms. Because requirements vary by state, be sure to use the form designed for your state of residence.
To obtain one from your specific state, you can visit the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) at https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/.