Healthcare as YOU Wish: A Quick Guide to Advance Directives

(Updated on May 30, 2025)

Most people think end-of-life planning is about what happens after death. But an Advance Directive is about how you want to be cared for while you're still alive—especially if you can’t speak for yourself. It’s a critical part of your “what-if” plans, no matter your age.

It’s not just about dying; it’s about living with your values in mind.

What Is an Advance Directive?

Depending on who you talk to, an Advance Directive can refer to a single legal document—or a set of documents—that:

• Name a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you can’t speak for yourself.

• Describe the kind of care you want or don’t want in serious medical situations. 

You might hear different names used for advance directives, like living will, healthcare proxy, or medical power of attorney. Sometimes these terms mean slightly different things, but often they’re used interchangeably.  Because terminology varies by state and provider, it’s important to understand the documents specific to where you live and make sure your forms are up to date.

Why It Matters at Any Age

Advance Directives aren’t just for people with serious illnesses or older adults. Anyone 18 or older can suddenly face a situation—like an accident or unexpected medical emergency—that leaves them unable to speak for themselves.

Without an Advance Directive, loved ones may have to guess what you’d want, and medical providers might default to aggressive treatments—even if that’s not what you would choose.

Having an Advance Directive helps ensure your care matches your wishes and takes pressure off your family during stressful times.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

Each state has laws about who decides for you if you can’t and don’t have an Advance Directive. Often, a spouse, adult child, or parent is chosen by default. But family situations can be complicated, and not everyone will know your wishes.

In Oregon, for example, the law provides a decision-making order, but this might not match your preferences or those of your loved ones. Sometimes, it even leads to costly court battles.

Without an Advance Directive, your family may face difficult, emotional decisions with little guidance.

How to Create Your Advance Directive

1. Find your state’s form.
   Visit CaringInfo.org’s state-by-state guide to download the correct document.

2. Choose your healthcare representative.
   Pick someone you trust and talk openly with them about your values and wishes.

3. Complete and sign the form.
   Follow your state’s rules — some require witnesses or a notary.

4. Share copies widely.
   Give your healthcare representative, doctors, and close family or friends a copy. Keep one somewhere accessible.

5. Review regularly.
   Life changes like marriage, divorce, or health changes mean you should revisit your Advance Directive periodically.

Take Control of Your Care Today

An Advance Directive is one of the simplest yet most important ways to ensure your medical care reflects your wishes—and to ease the burden on those you love.

You don’t have to be ill or old to start. Begin now, while it’s just a “what-if” conversation, not a crisis.

Best regards,

Corey