What is a health care directive and how does it work?

A health care directive is a legal document used in Delaware and other states to give someone else the ability to make health care decisions on your behalf if you become too sick or injured to make those decisions yourself. It is also known as an advance healthcare directive. The document covers numerous topics related to your health care wishes if you become incapacitated. It allows you to name a health care agent who will make decisions regarding your health care if you are unable to do so. You can also provide instructions and limits to your agent regarding what treatments you would and would not like to receive, whether to donate organs, and other types of medical procedures. Health care directives also include a living will, which allows you to give instructions regarding whether or not you want to be kept on life-sustaining treatments if you are terminally ill. Health care directives are a very important part of Elder Law in Delaware. It is important to have an updated health care directive to ensure that your wishes are carried out and your rights are fully protected in the event you become too sick or injured to make decisions on your own.

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