Learn about advance directives Advance directives are legal papers that let you decide on important issues about your treatment and care. They can: l S how your decisions, such as how much treatment you want, and who should make decisions if you can no longer make decisions l H elp make sure you get the treatment you want l M ake it a lot easier for your caregivers to make treatment decisions if they understand your wishes l Include your end-of-life healthcare decisions Advance directives can include these papers: l Living will: A document that shows what kind of healthcare a person wants if they can’t speak for themselves l Durable medical power of attorney: A document that names another person to make health decisions for a person if they can no longer make their own decisions. This person, chosen by the patient, is called a “healthcare proxy.”
Studies have shown that people who talked about their end-of-life choices (such as advanced directives) were more likely to feel in control of their situation and suffer less. Talk to your care team or social worker about getting set up with advance directives.
Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Guide | Stages 2–3 22
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