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Not Able To Speak for Yourself, Do Your Family Know Your Care Wishes?

As we grow older or face health issues, thinking about our medical decisions is important. Advanced Care Directives (ACDs) help with this. They are a way to share your health care wishes before you might need them. This makes sure you get care that fits what you believe.

This blog post talks about the good things about ACDs and how to make one. 

Why ACDs Matter

We all like to make our own health choices. But sometimes, due to sickness or an accident, we can't say what we want. This is where ACDs are really important. They let you write down your choices for treatment and pick someone to make decisions if you can't.

ACDs are very helpful. They make sure your care matches what you believe in. They also make things less stressful for your family who might have to decide for you. Plus, they give you comfort knowing your choices are clear, especially for care at the end of life. You may want certain things, like staying at home and just getting comfort care.

How to Create a Digital ACD

Making a digital ACD is easy. You don't need a lawyer for this. Digital ACDs are just as valid as written ones. They are a legal way to share what you want for your health care. Your digital ACD should have:

  • Your details
  • The name of who you choose to make decisions
  • What kind of medical care you want or don't want
  • Your religious or cultural beliefs that affect your care
  • Special instructions for care at the end of your life, like palliative or hospice care

Once you make your digital ACD, you can turn it into a QR code. Share this with the person you chose, family members you trust, your doctor, and other health care workers. Keep a copy of your digital ACD QR code in easy-to-find places, like on your fridge or in your purse or wallet. We can even put your QR code on a medical alert bracelet!

Digital ACDs make sure your health care fits your beliefs. They let you write down your care choices and choose someone to decide for you. This brings peace of mind to you and your family.

If you have any questions about digital ACDs, the team at A1 Nursing Services is here to help.