You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare, including the care you want and the care you don’t. An advance directive helps make sure those decisions are respected, even if you’re unable to communicate them.
An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical care and allows you to choose someone to make decisions on your behalf.
In Connecticut, advance directives include two main parts:
- Living will: A written document that explains what types of care you would or would not want, especially in serious or end-of-life situations.
- Healthcare representative: A person you choose to make medical decisions for you if you aren’t able to.
Planning ahead helps:
- Ensure your wishes are followed
- Reduce stress for loved ones
- Give you peace of mind
Who should have an advance directive?
Advance care planning is not only for older adults or people with serious health conditions. Any adult can benefit from having an advance directive in place.
It may be especially important if you:
- Are age 18 or older
- Want to make your healthcare wishes known in advance
- Have a chronic condition or serious illness
- Are planning for surgery or a hospital stay
- Want to choose someone you trust to make decisions for you if needed
- Want to make things easier for your loved ones in an emergency
Even if you are healthy today, having a plan in place can give you and your family more peace of mind.
What decisions can an advance directive cover?
An advance directive helps explain the types of medical care you would or would not want if you are ever unable to speak for yourself.
Depending on your wishes, it may cover decisions about:
- CPR or attempts to restart your heart
- Breathing support, such as a ventilator
- Feeding tubes
- Dialysis
- Pain relief and comfort-focused care
- Whether you would want life-sustaining treatment if recovery is unlikely
- Who should make medical decisions on your behalf
It can also help guide your care team and loved ones if difficult decisions need to be made during a serious illness or medical emergency.
When would my advance directive be used?
An advance directive won't be used until you’re not able to make or communicate decisions about your healthcare.
For example, it may help if:
- You’re unconscious after a medical emergency
- You’re seriously ill and cannot speak for yourself in the hospital
- You have advanced dementia or another condition that affects decision-making
- Your loved ones are unsure what type of care you would want
- A doctor needs guidance about life support or other major treatment decisions
In these moments, an advance directive can help your care team understand your wishes and help your loved ones feel more confident about the decisions being made.