A family playing an end-of-life game to easily figure out wishes for an advance directive

Advance Directives

Thinking about future healthcare decisions can be tough, but advance directives help make sure your wishes are honored if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself. This section explores what advance directives are, how to choose a healthcare proxy, the role of DNRs and POLST forms, and unique considerations for dementia or psychiatric illness. Whether you’re planning ahead or helping a loved one, these articles can assist you through the process with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

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Advance Directives

What Is an Advance Directive?

Before Death: End-of-life rights

Healthcare advocate Ruth Linden talks about navigating end-of-life care

What Is an Out-of-Hospital DNR Order?

What Advance Directive Should I Use?

What Should I Include in My Advance Directive?

NY Times reports about “wrongful life”

How Often Should I Update My Advance Directive?

ABA offers some thought provoking questions to help you consider options at the end of life.

Can Advance Directives Be Changed or Revoked?

What Is the Five Wishes Advance Directive?

“The Art of Dying Well” end-of-life planning for dementia

Is Five Wishes a Good Advance Directive?

Who Will Speak for You?

End-of-life experts question the value of advance directives

Who Should Have an Advance Directive?

Why Is the Five Wishes Living Will Considered Legally Ambiguous?

How to choose a healthcare proxy

Is Five Wishes Free?

Is There an Advance Directive for People With Dementia?

Humorous Quotes to Lighten the Heart

“Facing Your Own Death” by Tani Bhati

How Do I Talk With a Loved One With Early-Stage Dementia About End-of-Life Decisions?

“Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” A Memoir by Roz Chast

“How to Live Forever” by Kimberly Best

Will Doctors Honor My Advance Directive for Dementia?

Be Prepared for Emergencies As Death Nears

What Is a Psychiatric Advance Directive?

Does Medicare Cover End-of-Life Conversations With My Doctor?

What Kind of Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About My End-of-Life Decisions?

“Extreme Measures” by Jessica Nutik-Zitter, M.D.

What Is Advance Care Planning and Why Is It Important?

What States Recognize the Five Wishes?

Who Is Responsible for Making Sure an Advance Directive Is Followed?

“Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Advance Directives?

What Is a POLST?

What Happens if an Advance Directive and POLST Conflict?

How Should I Choose a Health Care Proxy?

“Passing On” A brave and practical look at end-of-life conversations

How Can I Talk to My Health Care Proxy About End-of-Life Care?

When Is a DNR Order Appropriate?

What Is CPR?

What Are the Potential Challenges or Limitations of Advance Directives?

What Is The Advance Directive For Dementia?

Who Can Make Decisions About My Care if I Don’t Have a Health Care Proxy?

“Extremis” Documentary by Dan Krauss

Can an Advance Directive Be Overridden by Family Members or Health Care Providers?

What Are the Two Types of DNR Orders?

Dr. Seuss Does Advance Directives: A Tim Boon Poem

Can Advance Directives Be Challenged in Court?

Can Health Care Providers Be Held Liable for Not Following Advance Directives?

People Are Playing Games to Help Them Talk About Death

Must Health Care Providers Honor the Wishes Expressed in My Advance Directive?

What Should I Do With My Completed Advance Directive?

NYT covers a town where everyone talks about death

When Were Advance Directives and Living Wills First Legally Recognized?

How I Got My Mom Talking About Her Advance Care Directives

Explore End-of-Life Healthcare Medicine and Science Books

What Is the Role of a Health Care Proxy?

Advance Directives Additional Resources