Essay On Advance Directives

Without preparing an Advance Directive all of your end of life choices may be decided for you. Death remains a topic many of us do not like to discuss. There may be religious or cultural differences within families that affect their willingness to discuss these deeply personal matters. Families have their own dynamics, and many factors effect how a person views death, discussions may seem taboo. If it makes sense to bring up these topics, do so. If it is not something that your family is comfortable with, you might not be able to get the answers you seek. In the case of a serious illness or accident events will unfold as they may without an Advance Directive. That is also a choice, and must be respected.

What makes your life worth living?
Disagreement between Physicians and your family over aspects of end of life care may result in less than desirable outcome for you, even if your physician knows what is most appropriate for your situation, without an Advance Directive your family may take precedence over what may be the best care for you. Your family and loved ones may not be mentally or emotionally prepared for the decisions they may have to make if a sudden, life altering decision about your care has to be made.

Advance Directives are not legally required, however; It takes a huge burden off of your closest family and loved ones. I feel our loved ones would make decisions with the best intentions but they may not be prepared for the consequences of their choice, especially if the outcome is undesirable. Everyday all over the world family's are left in turmoil, and often disagree with what is best for you when the end is near. Where is the quality of life in potentially being in a vegetative state for years (a potential worst case scenario) because your family could not agree on the proper care for