Advance Directives: 3 Steps To Get Started

If you were in the hospital and couldn’t speak for yourself, who would make decisions and would they know what you really want? That’s what Advance Directives (ADs) are for. They’re not just paperwork; they’re a plan that protects your wishes and gives your family clarity in stressful moments.

What Are Advance Directives?

Advance Directives are documents that spell out your health care preferences and name someone you trust to decide for you if you can’t. Two core pieces do most of the work:

• Living Will: Your preferences for treatments (like ventilators, feeding tubes, CPR) in certain situations.
  

• Health Care Proxy / Medical Power of Attorney: The person (agent) you choose to speak for you.

Related, but different, tools include POLST/MOLST forms (medical orders used mainly for people with serious illness to translate wishes into doctor’s orders) and DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders, which are medical orders about CPR only. DNRs are not the same as a full Advance Directive.

Why They Matter

An Advance Directive does three big things:

1. Honor your wishes. Your providers and family aren’t guessing.
   

2. Protects your family from conflict and guilt. When decisions are hard, your directive and proxy provide direction.
   

3. Prevents delays in care. Clear documents speed up decision-making and reduce confusion during admissions or emergencies.

Who Should Have One?

Short answer: every adult 18+. Life happens: accidents, unexpected illnesses, routine surgeries that become complicated. ADs are smart planning for:

• Young adults heading to college or work
  

• Couples and parents (especially with kids at home)
  

• Anyone with a chronic condition or new diagnosis

Why People Don’t Have ADs (and how to get past it)

Most people avoid ADs for understandable reasons: they haven’t heard of them, feel unsure about the forms, or don’t want to talk about illness or death. Others carry cultural or religious concerns or aren’t sure if doctors will follow their wishes.

Here’s the fix:

• Get simple, state-specific forms (free, listed below).
  

• Talk with your family about your values (what matters most: time at home, comfort, longevity, independence, spiritual beliefs).
  

• Store and share the documents so people can find them fast.

Family Conversations: The Step That Makes ADs Work

Paper alone can’t predict every scenario. Conversations give context so your proxy can make decisions you’d be proud of.

Try this structure:

• Values & Goals: What makes life meaningful to you? What outcomes would you find unacceptable?
  

• Treatment Tradeoffs: If choices must be made, do you prioritize comfort or maximum life-extension? Under what conditions?
  

• Proxy & Roles: Who is your agent, and how should others support that person? How will disagreements be handled?
  

• Where the Documents Live: Make sure everyone knows where to find the latest version.

Not sure how to start? Use a routine appointment, your birthday, or a family meeting. Adult children can gently ask: “If there were ever a time when you couldn’t speak for yourself, how would you want us to decide?”

Free Resources: No Excuses

You don’t need a lawyer for standard situations. Great free options include:

• State health department websites (state-specific forms + instructions)
  

• Hospitals & clinics (packets available; many help you complete them)
  

• Medicare “Welcome” and Annual Wellness Visits (providers can discuss ADs at no cost during these visits)
  

• Trusted nonprofits: AARP, CaringInfo (NHPCO), and The Conversation Project (guides and talk starters)
  

• Local libraries, senior centers, legal aid (printed forms and workshops)

When You Should Get Professional Help

Free forms cover most people. Consider an attorney or specialized clinician if you have:

• Complex family dynamics (blended families, estrangement, likely disputes)
  

• Multi-state residence or frequent moves (witnessing/notary rules differ)
  

• Special needs/guardianship or supported decision-making
  

• Detailed or nonstandard preferences (religious directives, specific limits)
  

• Estate/business coordination (align ADs with powers of attorney, trusts)

The goal is the same: clarity, validity, and fewer surprises.

Review & Update: Follow the “5 Ds”

Your preferences can evolve. Revisit your ADs at least annually and whenever the 5 Ds occur:

• Decade (every 10 years)
  

• Death (of a loved one or your agent)
  

• Divorce (or major relationship change)
  

• Diagnosis (new serious condition)
  

• Decline (notable health changes)

Also update after moving to a new state or if your beliefs shift. And make sure everyone has the newest version.

Why SAFE Binder Is the Practical Solution

Having an Advance Directive isn’t helpful if no one can find it. The SAFE Binder keeps your documents, and your peace of mind, organized and close by.

• Centralized storage: Living Will, Health Care Proxy, POLST/MOLST, DNR, medication lists, allergies, physician contacts, and insurance cards together, not scattered.
  

• The latest version at hand: Prevents outdated forms from causing confusion at admission.
  

• Easy to share: Your proxy and family know exactly where to look; providers can receive copies quickly.
  

• Crisis-ready: In an ambulance, ER, or admission desk, minutes matter. Clear, organized documents reduce stress and speed care.

Quick Start (3 Steps)

1. Download your state’s free forms.
   

2. Talk with your proxy and family about what matters most.
   

3. Sign, share, and store the documents in your SAFE Binder.

Bottom line: Advance Directives let you call the shots even when you can’t speak. A short conversation and a couple of signed pages can spare your family from guesswork and ensure your care reflects your values. Store the final documents in your SAFE Binder so the right people can find them, fast.

Ready to get set up? Visit mysafebinder.com to organize your ADs and the rest of your essential medical information calm, clear, and ready for whatever comes next.