3 Steps to Complete Your Advance Directive (and Why You Should Do It Today)
Why Advance Directives Matter
No one likes to think about medical emergencies, but planning ahead ensures your wishes are followed if you can’t speak for yourself. An advance directive is a legal document that lets you decide: ✔ What medical treatments you want (or don’t want).
✔ Who will make medical decisions for you if you can’t.
Many people put off completing an advance directive, but it’s easier than you think! Follow these 3 simple steps to get started today.
Step 1: Choose Your Healthcare Decision-Maker
The first step is selecting a trusted person to make medical decisions if you’re unable to. This person is known as your:
Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA)
Healthcare Proxy
Medical Agent
✔ Choose someone you trust (spouse, adult child, friend).
✔ Make sure they understand your values and healthcare preferences.
✔ They should be comfortable speaking up for you with doctors and family.
💡 Tip: Pick an alternate in case your first choice isn’t available.
Step 2: Write Down Your Medical Wishes
Next, think about what types of care you want or don’t want in case of a serious illness or injury. Common decisions include:
✔ Life Support – Do you want CPR, ventilators, or feeding tubes?
✔ Pain Management – Do you want comfort-focused care?
✔ Organ Donation – Would you like to donate your organs?
✔ Other Treatments – Would you want experimental treatments or surgeries?
This is called a Living Will, and it guides your loved ones and doctors on your care preferences.
💡 Tip: Keep it clear and specific, so there’s no confusion later.
Step 3: Make It Official & Share It
Once you’ve written down your wishes, make it legal by: ✔ Signing the advance directive (some states require witnesses or notarization).
✔ Giving copies to your doctor, family, and healthcare agent.
✔ Keeping a copy at home in an easy-to-find place.
📌 In Nevada – You can find official forms at:
🔗 Nevada Advance Directive Forms
💡 Tip: Review your advance directive every few years and update it if needed.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Future
By completing your advance directive, you take control of your healthcare decisions and give peace of mind to your loved ones. Don’t wait for a crisis—take 10 minutes today to start the conversation!
💬 Need Help? Contact Perpetual Help Hospice of Nevada LLC for free guidance on advance directives. You can reach us by phone at 702-802-5858 or by email at info@perpetualhelp.care. We’re here to help you plan for the future with confidence.