When it comes to senior care options, there are many issues and factors to consider. Advance Directives are designed to allow people to specify their wishes and preferences when it comes to medical treatment and in some cases, designate a surrogate decision maker to act on their behalf in the event that they are unable to speak for themselves.

There are three main types of advance directives: living will, power of attorney, and health care proxy. Living wills specify the types of medical treatment that an individual desires, and can be general or specific. Health care by proxy documents designate an individual with the right to make medical decisions on behalf of another individual, and durable power of attorney, the most involved type of advanced directive, designates an individual with the right to make medical decisions, bank transactions, apply for disability, and make other types of related decisions on behalf of another person.

Many types of living wills deal specifically with the issue of life support and are designed to provide a guideline for medical professionals and family members. Specific types of living wills spell out the wishes of individuals when it comes to other types of medical treatment, such as pain relief and CPR.

Power of attorney and health care proxy documents both authorize an individual to make medical care decisions on someone else’s behalf. Power of attorney, however, allows for greater decision making on behalf of someone who is no longer able to make medical and/or financial decisions for themselves.

Senior care decisions can be difficult to make, especially at times when a quick decision to a controversial health care issue, such as life support needs to be made. Advance directives can help provide you with peace of mind during these times.