Advance directives An advance directive is a document that lets you make specific healthcare decisions now for those times you may not be able to. The two that are most common are a Living Will and a Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney (also called Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare).
• A Living Will is a way to let your doctor, family and friends know your wishes about being kept alive by machines (like a respirator or ventilator). It also spares your loved ones from having to make those hard choices.
• Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney is a legal document that names someone to make medical decisions for you if you are not able to.
Talk with your lawyer. If you don’t have a lawyer, contact your state bar association for a reference. Every state’s laws vary. It is important that your document works for the state in which you live. And that it has been signed (in good health), witnessed and, if possible, notarized.
End-of-life considerations for implanted defibrillator If you have an ICD, your device cannot stop your heart from wearing out. If your doctor tells you that your heart disease is at the “end stage”, talk to your family. Choose whether you want the defibrillator’s “shock” function turned off. This information should also be part of your advance directives and any hospice and/or palliative care plan.
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