Resident Information
Advance Directives
Two Types New Jersey has two kinds of advance directives, a “proxy directive” and an “instruction directive.” It is your decision whether to have both kinds or to have one of them. Proxy Directive (Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare) A proxy directive is a document you use to appoint a person to make healthcare decisions if you cannot make them yourself. This document becomes effective whether your inability to make healthcare decisions is temporary because of an accident or permanent because of a disease. The person you appoint is your “healthcare representative,” and they are responsible for making the same decisions you would have made under the circumstances. If they cannot determine what you would want in a specific situation, they are to base their decision on what they think is in your best interest. Instruction Directive (Living Will) An instruction directive is a document you use to tell your physician and family about the situations you would want or not want to have life-sustaining treatment if you cannot make your own healthcare decisions. You can also include a description of your beliefs, values, and general care and treatment preferences. This will guide your physician and family when they have to make healthcare decisions for you in situations not explicitly covered by your advance directive. An advance directive is a legal document you can complete to help ensure your preferences forvarious medical treatments are followed if you cannot make your own healthcare decisions. Your advance directive only goes into effect if your physician has evaluated you and determined that you cannot understand your diagnosis, treatment options or the possible benefits and harms. What is an Advance Directive? Advance care planning involves discussing and preparing for future decisions about your medical care if you become seriously ill or unable to communicate your wishes. Having meaningful conversations with your loved ones is the most important part of advance care planning. Many people also choose to put their preferences in writing by completing legal documents called advance directives. If you or your loved ones have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to your social worker, who will be able to sit down and explain the Advance Directive.
Some FAQs
Q. Can I change my advance directive? A. You can change your advance directive anytime by completing a new one. You need to sign and date your new advance directive
Q. Do I need a lawyer to complete an advance directive? A. No, you can complete an advance directive on your own. Q. Does my advance directive have to be notarized? A. No. Q. Do I need a witness when I sign my advance directive? A. You can get your advance directive notarized, in which case you don’t need additional witnesses. Or you can choose to sign and date your advance directive in front of two adult witnesses who must also sign and date the document. Q. What does it mean for someone to sign my advance directive as a witness? A. As a witness, the person states that you voluntarily signed your advance directive. Q. Is there anyone who cannot sign my advance directive as a witness? A. Yes, the person you appoint as your healthcare representative cannot be a witness.
and have two witnesses sign and date it. Q. Can I cancel my advance directive?
A. Yes, you can cancel your advance directive whenever you want. To cancel it, you need to tell your physician, family, healthcare representative, nurse, social worker or a reliable witness that you want to cancel your advance directive. You can tell them verbally or send them a letter. Q. Can my healthcare representative decide if I can still make my own decisions? A. Your healthcare representative can only make decisions if your physician has evaluated you and determined that you cannot understand your diagnosis, treatment options, or the possible benefits and harms. Q. Can having an advance directive affect my life insurance, health insurance or the benefits I receive from a governmental benefits program? A. No.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 10 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
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